Watch Olympics: Team USA
Which three watch brands best represent USA in ALL areas of watchmaking?
Let's say that all the watchmaking countries come together to participate in the Watchlympics. Three companies are chosen for each country and compete against one another, judged on three general areas:
Heritage & History: The stories behind the brand, the watches, or the people that wore them and when
Design & Craftsmanship: The beauty of the brand's design philosophies, or their commitment to creating the best movements imaginable
Versatility & Affordability: The 'value for money', adaptability; The watch/brand that can do it all - At least, as much as possible from the price point
Which three (3) American brands would you nominate to compete? Comment below.
If it were me:
Ball - While Hamilton is interchangeable in heritage, the history of Ball regarding the ‘Railroad Standard’ is a cornerstone of the creation if chronometer certification
RGM - There are very few watchmakers left in America that can compete at a high level in terms of unique designs and craftsmanship, but RGM does perfectly fine for themselves
Hamilton - While the Khaki collection is home to arguably the greatest value for money for any mechanical watch, Hamilton’s other collections round out this area nicely
I am not Gerald Genta. I like to draw watch ideas. They usually suck. #defsnotgenta for more.
Swiss would win everything easily with just Swatch.
Swiss would win everything easily with just Swatch.
Swatch or Swatch Group? Because I dont see Swatch on its own beating Lange.
As the alternate I would consider Weiss, another modern American company.
Swatch or Swatch Group? Because I dont see Swatch on its own beating Lange.
Swatch group obviously 😉
Criteria.
Heritage and history. Breguet
Design and craftsmanship Glashuette Original.
Versatility affordability Omega
On the subs bench.
Blancpain
Longines
Tissot
Timex, Armitron, and Ball.
RGM I would say 100% craftsmanship and high horology. Who else in the US makes an in house tourbillon that is not a one off?
Benrus
Timex
Bulova
Historically: Elgin, Hamilton and Bulova.
Currently owned by US-based companies: Glycine, Zodiac, Jacob & Co.
Currently made (assembled at least) in the US: RGM, Shinola, Weiss.
A few more American watch brands that assemble in the US that should at least be alternates.
Towson Watch Company
E. Stohlman Watch company - Eugene is also a co-owner of Maryland Watch Works who work with a number of other microbrands, they assemble movement and I believe watches for those brands.
Jack Mason I would say is moving towards making the list.
I think the other two are up for debate, but the list has to include Timex.