I first took serious notice of Shinola when the brand released its limited edition yacht timer, the Shinola Mackinac in 2022. It?s a funky, vintage inspired design, with a square case, circular yellow-orange dial, and pops of blue that make it an eye-catching piece, perfect for summer. I bought it?and probably overpaid, but, hey, everyone?s got that watch they bought with their heart not their financial sense?and at the same time bought into Shinola?s story as a company that pays homage to its Detroit roots and assembles their watches in America.
The Mackinac really seems to represent a turning point for the company. Its release was followed by a string of watches seemingly designed for watch enthusiasts who took issue with Shinola?s pricey, quartz-heavy early catalog.
Take the latest addition to the Shinola lineup: the Ceramic Monster, which I had the opportunity to spend a week with recently. The Monster line has always had the best case design of any of Shinola?s watches?particularly with the subtly curved lugs, which here allow the accompanying strap to be flush with the case, unlike other Shinola models which feature straight, spindly lugs?but the Ceramic Monster is the first in the lineup to look truly distinct from other brands? divers. This is thanks not just to the color change?the watch is all black with some red and white highlights ?but to the subtle rippling wave pattern featured on the dial meant to evoke a choppy day on the Great Lakes. The level of...