Detroit's Shinola Launches First Wristwatches

1993

Why open a watch factory in Detroit? Why not accept that manufacturing is gone from this country? Why not let the rust and weeds finish what they started? And lastly, why didn’t we buy a heavier coat before we moved here?

Through two Detroit winters, we’ve asked ourselves these questions. And worked not to find our answer, but to build it.  Because American manufacturing never failed for being too good. It happened when we thought good was good enough. It’s a tall order to return to form.  But we’re up for it.

We started with the reinvigoration of a storied American brand.  And of a storied American city.  Because we believe in the beauty of industry. The glory of manufacturing. That products should be handcrafted with the highest standards of quality.

Today, we are proud to launch the embodiment of that quality — The Runwell, a limited edition wristwatch and the first timepiece built in our Detroit watch factory. Available in two sizes, The Runwell 47mm is limited to 1000 pieces, and The Runwell 40mm is limited to 1500.

This commemorative timepiece is powered by Shinola’s Argonite 1069 movement, which is hand assembled in Detroit by our highly skilled craftspeople using Swiss-made components. Each watch is individually numbered and features premium, vegetable-tanned leather straps from Horween of Chicago.

In addition to The Runwell, we’re excited to present our full line of American-made products, including our artisanal leather collection, Michigan-made journals with paper from sustainable forests, and handmade bicycles of custom-level quality and classic design.  All products can be found on Shinola.com.

At Shinola, our mission is to build a truly American brand at a scale that can shape culture, create community, and deliver goods of the highest quality that are built to last.

Please join us in celebrating where American is made.