Shinola Runwell Chrono 41mm Review
I'm not sure if too many here are familiar with the Shinola brand. It is essentially a Detroit-based microbrand that bought the Shinola label, which referred to shoe polish in the past. They initially claimed to make watches in the US, but had to backpedal a bit, as they are assembling Rhonda movements in the US, more or less.
Nevertheless I liked their retro look of the Runwell line, and bought this quartz chrono about a decade ago on pure impulse at one of their stores at the mall. It's been in rotation for a decade now, and the exact model is now only available in 47mm case diameter, or with a different color pattern still in 41mm.
It's function has been flawless over that time with nothing but battery changes. The service at the store was flawless, and included a demonstration of how to change the strap, including the necessary tool. Talking about strap, this strap is easily the most durable and comfortable strap I have on any watch. It has darkened over the years, but I have not had to replace it. Talking about straps, Shinola makes all kinds of leather goods, and my wallet from the brand has also been wonderful.
So, what is the downside? Well, it's a Ronda quartz movement in the end, in a watch that has a list price of $750. These watches don't go on sale that much, and if so, Shinola will first reach out to their existing customer base. This is a pretty hefty sum, especially since you are basically in Longines-territory, as far as prices for quartz watches are concerned. (And this for a brand that has the same parent-company as Fossil.) I personally really liked the look, and that it is a somewhat local company. They also have a bunch of special models, that can be rather interesting, such as watches with locally-sourced ceramic dials.
I don't regret the purchase, as I still like wearing this watch, and service has been outstanding so far. You can literally take watch to the store, and the staff will check it out and send it in, if it needs servicing.
I haven't purchased any watches from the brand recently, as they grew the sizes of their watches for many models. Would I recommend this watch? Yes, but only for people who really like this particular style or have otherwise a connection to this brand.
Shinola Runwell Chrono 41mm Review
Yes
No
- Rather nice retro look
- Has worked without a problem for 10 years
- Great factory leather strap
- Service experience has been very positive
- $750 list price for a quartz movement
- Very little brand recognition / really more of a lifestyle brand
I had a couple Shinolas and a Filson,which is a Shinola made brand. They were all very well constructed and designed.
Many brands ues Ronda quartz movemnts in watches in that price range.
Shinola has always charged a high price for their watches but they are often found online for much less than the MSRP.
I had a couple Shinolas and a Filson,which is a Shinola made brand. They were all very well constructed and designed.
Many brands ues Ronda quartz movemnts in watches in that price range.
Shinola has always charged a high price for their watches but they are often found online for much less than the MSRP.
Agreed, there is nothing wrong with a Ronda movement, it's more that in itself it doesn't justify a particular price of the overall watch. (Generally this is an issue with high-quality quartz watches overall.)
I personally found them only for slightly less online, but not a whole lot. Quite in contrast to the discount emails that Shinola sent to their customers. But then again, I may have left out certain sites.
But yeah, I agree. They are quality watches overall.
Unpopular opinion - I think these (Shinola) are massively overpriced for what they are. I’ve handled a few, and I even seen some at very reduced prices in a number of outlets, and I struggle to see the appeal. I think they look too clinical to pull of the retro style lugs on some models, and others I think the dial colourings and styles are down-right ugly. Again, I have nothing against a quartz Ronda movement (I own a lot in some grey market bargain basement late 90s early 00s Tag purchases) but I would never lay down $750 for one unless the remainder of the package was packing serious firepower, which I would argue Shinola does not. I would even recommend a Seiko over this for a similar price point, and this is coming from me.
Unpopular opinion - I think these (Shinola) are massively overpriced for what they are. I’ve handled a few, and I even seen some at very reduced prices in a number of outlets, and I struggle to see the appeal. I think they look too clinical to pull of the retro style lugs on some models, and others I think the dial colourings and styles are down-right ugly. Again, I have nothing against a quartz Ronda movement (I own a lot in some grey market bargain basement late 90s early 00s Tag purchases) but I would never lay down $750 for one unless the remainder of the package was packing serious firepower, which I would argue Shinola does not. I would even recommend a Seiko over this for a similar price point, and this is coming from me.
I can very much see your point. A Shinola sells on the design alone. (This can be said about the brand as a whole, maybe with the exception of the leather products.) If you don't like the design, then you have no reason to buy a Shinola whatsoever, there is no other redeeming quality. I do however see only a very limited number at reduced prices, and then particular models. In other words Shinola has not changed their pricing strategy. I also own a lot of Seikos, and you will get "more watch" for the money, no question. On the other hand, Seiko doesn't really sell similar watches.
I can very much see your point. A Shinola sells on the design alone. (This can be said about the brand as a whole, maybe with the exception of the leather products.) If you don't like the design, then you have no reason to buy a Shinola whatsoever, there is no other redeeming quality. I do however see only a very limited number at reduced prices, and then particular models. In other words Shinola has not changed their pricing strategy. I also own a lot of Seikos, and you will get "more watch" for the money, no question. On the other hand, Seiko doesn't really sell similar watches.
Thank you - in hindsight the Seiko comment was flippant of me, apologies, I appreciate that they do not make watches that look like this and therefore the comparison from an aesthetic perspective was wrong.
From a value for money perspective perhaps it has some more traction, especially since the Seiko quality vs delivery at ever-increasing prices debate is becoming louder.
I believe there are watches similar to the Shinola out there for cheaper, especially considering what you actually get for the money. However, I will refrain from (and I have no real place in) criticising how they operate as they have a designated fan base and a track-record of success.