(4 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
Founded only in 2011, Shinola is a new American watch manufacturer. However, the brand has become rather popular thanks to its quality timepieces and (what is more important) its location – the city of Detroit. The company plays a paramount role for the city and tries to recoup it from a financial disaster.
More than 35 hours have been spent to compile this Shinola watches review that describes the most popular models of the brand for both men and women. If you are planning to buy a good timepiece for informal wear (and you are patriotic), this post is for you. Balancing between classic and casual models and offering affordable prices combined with a limited lifetime warranty, Shinola has something that will impress any watch snob.
Best Shinola Watches for Men
| Review | Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Guardian 41.5mm (20089896) View Details | Quartz | 24 mm leather strap Rounded square body of stainless steel Date calendar Analog display Sapphire crystal protection Luminous hands 5 ATM depth rating Arabic numerals Limited lifetime warranty |
 | The Runwell 47mm (10000168) View Details | Quartz | 24 mm leather strap Round stainless steel body Analog display 5 ATM depth rating Sapphire crystal protection Luminous hands Sub-dial for a second hand Arabic numerals Limited lifetime warranty |
 | The Canfield Sport 40mm Unisex (20089887) View Details | Quartz | 20 mm leather strap Round stainless steel body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection 3 chronographs Date calendar 5 ATM depth rating Arabic numerals Limited lifetime warranty |
 | The Lake Superior Monster Automatic 43mm (20097178) View Details | Automatic | 22 mm stainless steel strap Round stainless steel body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection Date calendar Luminous hands 30 ATM depth rating Limited lifetime warranty |
The Guardian 41.5mm Watch
The Guardian was named after the iconic Detroit building. This watch features a high-accurate quartz mechanism and has a casual look.
It comes with a 41.5 mm stainless steel casing covered with a sandblast PVD plating. The face has a rounded square shape and includes white Arabic numerals, a date calendar, and 3 Super-LumiNova hands on a smooth display. The black matte face is covered by a sapphire crystal that is single-curved.
The other outstanding features of the watch are a signature Shinola pumpkin crown and a caseback plate that includes a laser-etched serial number.
The 24 mm tan aniline latigo leather band comes with a contrast stitching and tends to develop a patina over time. It is removable and can be replaced by another one.
- A customizable band
- A precise hand-assembled movement
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- Packaged in a cherry wood box
- Goes well with many styles
- Scratch- and shatter-resistant dial protection
- Luminous hands
- Requires a battery
The Runwell 47mm Watch
This timepiece from the Runwell collection is a classic watch for men built to last. It features a 47 mm stainless steel body plated by a rose gold PVD finish. Its round midnight blue dial includes rose gold Arabic numerals and 2 luminous hands. Its second hand tracks time in a separate silver sub-dial.
The timekeeper is driven by a quartz movement. The protective sapphire glass is double-domed and covers the dial.
The watch is complemented with a 24 mm dark oxblood leather strap embossed like a football leather. It is interchangeable with other bands of the same width.
- A classic design
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- Precise engineering
- Manufactured with an assortment of colors, bands, and faces
- Comes in a wooden presentation box
- The dial is easy to read
- The case is rather big
- The shade of the strap is purple rather than brown
The Canfield Sport 40mm Unisex Watch
The Canfield Sport is an awesome quartz watch with numerous elegant elements that promote classics to a wider audience. Its 40 mm round case is made of stainless steel and comes with a coin-edge detail. It includes a fixed top ring with a dark blue ceramic insertion.
Its dial performed in midnight blue features 3 hands, 3 chronograph sub-dials, and a calendar aperture between 4 and 5 numerals. The case holds 3 impressive crowns to operate the chronographs. Its display is protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal.
The model comes with a 20 mm leather band performed in dark cognac.
- A long-lasting battery
- A chronograph complication
- A date window
- Both masculine and feminine
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- Requires a regular battery replacement
The Lake Superior Monster Automatic 43mm Watch
The first thing that strikes an owner of this watch is its name. Its Super-LumiNova indices glow with a green light against a dark round dial, reminding of the lights dancing over the Lake Superior.
The watch is powered by an automatic movement and includes a stainless steel 43 mm case with an enamel dial performed in glossy black.
This timepiece was designed with divers in mind and can withstand the extreme pressure of 1,000 ft depth (30 ATM). Its unidirectional edged bezel allows users to keep track of time underwater.
The model is also equipped with an anti-magnetic shield. The sapphire crystal covers the display. Its 22 mm stainless steel bracelet includes a micro-adjustable clasp for a more secure fit during diving.
- Has a 38-hour power reserve
- Underwater visibility
- Self-winding
- A nautically-inspired gift box
- Has a date opening at 4 o’clock
- Corrosion-resistant
- Has no numerals
| Review | Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Runwell Automatic 39.5mm (20141487) | Automatic | 20 mm leather strap Round stainless steel body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection Date calendar Luminous hands 5 ATM depth rating Arabic numerals Limited lifetime warranty |
 | The Rambler Titanium Chronograph 44mm (12007930) | Quartz | 22 mm titanium bracelet Round titanium body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection 2 chronographs Date calendar Tachymeter Arabic numerals 10 ATM depth rating Limited lifetime warranty |
 | The Bedrock Chrono 42mm (20065290) | Quartz | 20 mm leather strap Round stainless steel body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection 2 chronographs Date calendar 5 ATM depth rating Limited lifetime warranty |
The Runwell Automatic 39.5mm Watch
Another representative from the Runwell collection is an automatic watch, the elegance of which cannot be ignored. This timepiece is a result of 2 years of work. Several watches from this collection come with interesting features like a moon phase dial and others.
This timepiece has a solid stainless steel case (39.5 mm) and a round analog display. Its movement is Swiss-made and reserves power throughout 38 hours.
Its matte black dial is vellum-textured to highlight the refined printing of hour markers and indices, which are also luminous. It is covered by the sapphire glass, and the exhibition window of its caseback allows watching the working mechanism. The face includes a date calendar next to the 3 o’clock numeral.
The timepiece has a 20 mm leather band in British tan. This is a quick release strap that requires no tools to change it if necessary.
- Powered by an arm motion
- Has a viewing window
- Super-LumiNova hands
- A date opening
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- Delivered in a red oak box
- Suitable only for occasional water splashes
The Rambler Titanium Chronograph 44mm Watch
This stunning quartz model is completely made of titanium. Its 44 mm round case and 22 mm bracelet look like one solid piece.
The body comes with 3 screw-down crowns. Its fixed titanium bezel includes a black tachymeter scale. The watch has a black round face with silver-tone luminous hands and Arabic numerals. There are 2 chronograph sub-dials (60-second/30-minute) and a date aperture instead of the 5 o’clock marker. The sapphire crystal protects the display.
The 3-link bracelet is equipped with a fold-over clasp and a push button.
- Aqua resistance 10 ATM (330 ft)
- Chronograph, tachymeter, and date functions
- Luminous hands
- Made of a durable material
- Strong dial protection
- Uses a battery
The Bedrock Chrono 42mm Watch
The Bedrock is a dress watch specially designed to wear with a suit. It is driven by a quartz mechanism, which is assembled with 85 components. Its 42 mm stainless steel body features a midnight blue dial with 2 chronograph sub-dials, a date indication (at 6 o’clock), and 3 luminous hands. The traditional scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial.
The timepiece includes a 20 mm leather strap with a nubuck backing for utmost comfort. The band has a stitching that makes it more durable. The watch arrives in a cute cherry wood box.
- A slim and elegant construction
- Super-LumiNova hands
- A remote second hand sweep
- The strap is soft and comfortable
- Chronograph and date complications
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- More expensive than other reviewed models
Best Shinola Watch for Women
| Review | Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Birdy Mother of Pearl Dial 34mm (20077932) View Details | Quartz | 8 mm stainless steel strap Round stainless steel body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection Date calendar Arabic numerals 5 ATM depth rating Luminous hands Limited lifetime warranty |
The Birdy Mother of Pearl Dial 34mm Watch
The Birdy is a unique quartz timepiece, which combines both classic and modern tendencies. Its design is a mixture of silver and gold shades. The watch features a 34 mm stainless steel body with a gold-tone edged insert that holds a pumpkin-shaped crown.
The mother-of-pearl dial with gold-plated hands and Arabic numerals looks very gentle. It is covered by a sapphire crystal that is double-domed. The calendar window occupies the 3 o’clock position.
The 3-link stainless steel bracelet features a gold-tone central link that matches the casing. Thanks to a hidden clasp, the 8 mm band looks seamless.
- The window is scratch-resistant
- Comes with a calendar complication
- Luminous hands and indices
- A remote second hand sweep
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- The bracelet can be narrow for larger wrists
| Review | Name | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Runwell Coin Edge 38mm (20109234) | Quartz | 18 mm leather strap Round stainless steel body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection Luminous hands 5 ATM depth rating Arabic numerals Date calendar Limited lifetime warranty |
 | The Guardian 36mm (20121835) | Quartz | 20 mm leather strap Rounded square body of stainless steel Date calendar Analog display Sapphire crystal protection Luminous hands 5 ATM depth rating Arabic numerals Limited lifetime warranty |
 | The Cass 28mm (20065281) | Quartz | 14 mm leather strap Square stainless steel body Analog display Sapphire crystal protection Arabic numerals Second sub-dial 5 ATM depth rating Limited lifetime warranty |
The Runwell Coin Edge 38mm Watch
This quartz watch is performed in pastel colors and looks very feminine. Its 38 mm stainless steel case is decorated by a silver edged bezel that matches a ribbed crown. The face of the watch is warm silver and features gunmetal-tone Arabic numerals. The display is accented by a date window instead of the 3 o’clock marker and protected by a double-domed sapphire crystal.
A sophisticated leather strap, which is 18 mm wide, comes with a contrast white stitching.
- A classic design
- The strap is interchangeable
- Luminous hands
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- Suitable for casual wear
- The calendar opening is too small
The Guardian 36mm Watch
This is a female version of the Guardian. The timepiece is enclosed in a 36 mm silver-tone stainless steel case of a rounded square shape. Its glossy white dial is fully protected by a sapphire crystal. It features luminous hands and a calendar opening instead of the 6 o’clock marker.
The watch is fitted with a 20 mm leather band performed in dark nut brown.
- Solid display protection
- Super-LumiNova hands
- Requires no winding
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- Includes a calendar
- Uses a battery
The Cass 28mm Watch
The Cass is very small in size and features a 28 mm square case. Performed in nude colors, the watch looks very delicate. Its rose gold case comes with a nude dial and is covered by a flat sapphire window. The rose gold hands and Arabic numerals match the rose body. The display includes a separate sub-dial for a second hand instead of the 6 o’clock marker.
The 14 mm blush leather strap is very soft due to a nubuck backing.
- A graceful design
- Aqua resistance 5 ATM (165 ft)
- A comfortable band
- The movement accuracy is awesome
- An abundance of a rose color
- The second sub-dial is too small
FAQ
Shinola is a promising player on the watch market. It is quickly developing and has a number of common projects with other watch brands (like Filson). The information below will give you a couple of interesting facts about this company and its products.
Where Are Shinola Watches ⌚ Made?
All Shinola watches (mechanical and quartz) are hand-assembled in Detroit, the United States. The 30,000 square foot factory is located in the center of the city and sits within a part of a manufacturing complex brought to Detroit by General Motors.
This production facility includes only an assembly line. All watch components are shipped from Asia and combined here into various cases.
Why Are Shinola Watches So Expensive?
All watches made by Shinola have outstanding quality. They feature a stainless steel or titanium case, a sapphire crystal, have a certain level of water-resistance, an elegant design, which is one of the best in this industry, and include a battery-reduction technology.
In general, Shinola Detroit watches are quite affordable. The entry-level pieces start from a few hundred dollars ? and range between $500-$1,000, while single high-end models are priced at up to $2,000.
Some experts criticize that Shinola uses inexpensive quartz movements and charges a premium for them. However, its customers would choose a pricier Detroit-made product over other options to help the city get back on its feet.
Which Famous People Wear Shinola Watches?
A lot of notable individuals (celebrities and political leaders) own watches made in Detroit. Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are both Shinola fans.
Bill Clinton visited the factory ? in 2014 and purchased 13 watches (mostly for gifting). He owns 3 Shinola timepieces, and the Runwell is one of his favorite watches. He finds it informal and elegant and likes its large numbers.
Where to Buy?
The distribution system of Shinola watches includes various types of retailers: traditional channels of jewelry stores, prestigious fashion retailers, luxury department store chains, etc. The brand has its own flagship stores (New York, Minneapolis, and Detroit), and you can also buy its watches through the official website.
More than 40 independent dealers are authorized to sell the branded models. Multiple online ? shops and platforms like Amazon and eBay also offer its products for sale.
Conclusion
This watchmaker offers sleek-looking and semi-formal watches for daily wear. All Shinola timepieces are aesthetically pleasing and well built. Some consumers may find the prices for its quartz mechanisms high since an average quartz watch is typically priced at about $100.
However, the brand is a job-creation vehicle that employs people in an economically depressed city. With this philanthropic air, customers are inspired to invest in more expensive timepieces to support the manufacturing revival in Detroit.
References
- Shinola – Official Site – https://www.shinola.com/
- The Story Behind ‘Built In Detroit’ Shinola Watches – https://www.forbes.com/
- The Controversial and Fascinating Detroit Company Behind Bill Clinton’s Favorite Watch – https://www.businessinsider.com/
- Shinola (Retail Company) – https://en.wikipedia.org/
