Price and Specifications

About Shinola

Founded in 2011, Shinola’s goal was to bring high-quality, handcrafted products to the forefront of American manufacturing. While they produce leather goods, bicycles, and audio equipment, their watches are their flagship product. Shinola assembles its timepieces in Detroit, symbolizing craftsmanship and resilience.

Price Range

Shinola watches typically fall into the mid-range luxury segment, offering affordability compared to Swiss luxury brands while delivering top-notch quality. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Entry-Level Watches:
   • Starting at $450 – $650.
   • These models feature quartz movements and simple, timeless designs. Examples include the Runwell Quartz 41mm and the Detrola Collection.
2. Mid-Tier Watches:
   • Priced around $750 – $1,500.
   • Includes automatic movements, chronographs, and enhanced materials such as sapphire crystal. Popular models include the Runwell Automatic 45mm and The Monster dive watches.
3. High-End Watches:
   • Range between $1,500 – $2,500 and beyond.
   • Limited-edition models, automatic chronographs, and luxurious materials (e.g., titanium cases or ceramic bezels) fall in this category.

Key Watch Collections

Here are Shinola’s primary watch lines, with pricing and specifications:

1. The Runwell Collection

• Price: $600–$1,500.
• Features:
  • Classic design with clean dials.
  • Available in both quartz and automatic versions.
  • Sapphire crystal for durability and water resistance (50–100 meters).
  • Multiple sizes: 28mm, 41mm, and 47mm.
  • Leather straps handcrafted from premium American hides by Horween Leather Co.

2. Detrola Collection

• Price: $450–$600.
• Features:
  • Bold, colorful designs aimed at a younger audience.
  • Lightweight resin cases with stainless steel cores.
  • Quartz movements for reliability and affordability.
  • Smaller sizes, typically around 43mm.

3. The Monster Collection (Dive Watches)

• Price: $1,200–$2,200.
• Features:
  • 300-meter water resistance for professional diving.
  • Automatic movements powered by Sellita SW200 calibers.
  • Unidirectional ceramic bezels for durability.
  • Sturdy stainless steel bracelets and rubber strap options.
  • Luminous markers for underwater readability.

4. The Canfield Collection

• Price: $850–$2,500.
• Features:
  • Dressier options with elevated aesthetics.
  • Open-dial construction showcasing intricate details.
  • Chronograph and moon-phase complications available.
  • Wide variety of strap materials and dial colors.

5. The Duck Collection

• Price: $650–$1,200.
• Features:
  • Casual dive-inspired watches.
  • Brightly colored dials and straps.
  • Quartz and automatic options with 200m water resistance.

Movements

Shinola watches use both quartz and automatic movements:

1. Quartz Movements:
   • Most quartz models are powered by Argonite movements, which are assembled in Shinola’s Detroit factory using Swiss and other imported parts.
   • Quartz watches are known for their accuracy and affordability.
2. Automatic Movements:
   • Shinola automatics feature Swiss Sellita movements (like the SW200), offering reliable performance and a 38–42-hour power reserve.
   • Automatics cater to enthusiasts who value mechanical craftsmanship.

Design & Materials

Shinola emphasizes American craftsmanship and premium materials, ensuring durability and style:

• Cases: Made of stainless steel or lightweight resin (Detrola). Some models offer PVD-coated finishes for added scratch resistance.
• Dials: Clean, minimalistic, and legible with Super-LumiNova on specific models for better visibility.
• Straps: Horween leather, stainless steel bracelets, and rubber straps provide a mix of luxury and practicality.
• Glass: Almost all models use sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance and clarity.

Special Features

• Customizable Options: Shinola allows customization of certain watches with personalized engravings or strap choices.
• American Assembly: All watches are hand-assembled in Detroit, ensuring strict quality control and a sense of heritage.
• Water Resistance: Varies by model; from 50 meters (Runwell) to 300 meters (Monster).
• Limited Editions: Collaborations and special runs include unique designs and premium materials, such as titanium.

Why Choose Shinola?

1. American Craftsmanship: Shinola prides itself on reinvigorating American watchmaking, with much of its work done in Detroit.
2. Durability: Premium materials like sapphire crystal and stainless steel ensure long-lasting quality.
3. Affordability: Offers accessible pricing compared to Swiss brands with similar specifications.
4. Versatility: Their collections range from casual (Detrola) to luxury (Canfield), appealing to diverse tastes.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite its popularity, Shinola faces some criticisms:

• Swiss Components: While marketed as American-made, the brand uses imported parts (movements, dials, etc.), which some purists find misleading.
• Pricing Debate: Some argue that Shinola watches are overpriced for quartz movements, though this is mitigated by the design and craftsmanship.