For decades, the Swiss watch industry has been the epitome of luxury timepieces, with brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe dominating the market. However, a wave of American watchmakers has been steadily gaining popularity, offering timepieces that are just as luxurious and of high quality as their Swiss counterparts. We’ll take a closer look at the growing trend of luxury American made watches and what makes them so unique.
In the world of horology, the “Made in America” label has always been synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. Brands like Hamilton and Bulova were known for producing watches that were not only accurate and reliable but also stylish and innovative. Today, a new generation of American watchmakers is taking up the mantle, offering luxury timepieces that are made to the highest standards of quality and style.
While American watchmaking has a rich history, it has also gone through periods of decline. However, in recent years, a number of new watchmakers have emerged, offering timepieces that are not only luxurious and of high quality but also made in America. These new watch brands, as well as some established brands, are tapping into a growing demand for American-made products and offering timepieces that are not only beautiful but also tell a story.
Luxury American Watch Companies
RGM Watches
When it comes to luxury timepieces, few watch brands can match the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that RGM Watches offers. Based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, RGM Watches has been producing high-end mechanical watches since 1992. The brand has built a reputation for creating unique, handcrafted timepieces that combine American ingenuity with Swiss expertise.
History of RGM Watches
Roland G. Murphy, the founder of RGM Watches, began his career as a watchmaker in the 1980s. After receiving formal training in Switzerland, Murphy returned to the United States and started his own company. In 1992, RGM Watches was born.
Since its inception, RGM Watches has focused on producing high-quality mechanical watches that are made in small quantities. The brand is known for its commitment to using traditional watchmaking techniques, such as guilloché engraving and hand-finished movements. RGM Watches also uses American-made components in its watches, such as dials and hands.
RGM Watches’ Collections
RGM Watches has a range of collections, each with its own unique style and features. The brand’s most popular collections include:
Pennsylvania Series
The Pennsylvania Series is a collection of watches that pays homage to RGM Watches’ home state. The watches feature guilloché dials that are inspired by the historic architecture of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Series also includes the “Chess in Enamel” watch, which features a miniature enamel painting of a chessboard on the dial.
Professional Series
The Professional Series is a collection of watches designed for those who demand precision and accuracy. These watches are often used by professionals such as pilots, divers, and scientists. The Professional Series includes watches with features such as chronographs, moon phases, and power reserve indicators.
Classic Series
The Classic Series is a collection of watches that are inspired by vintage timepieces. These watches feature classic designs and complications, such as moon phases and perpetual calendars. The Classic Series also includes the “Caliber 801” watch, which is RGM Watches’ first in-house movement.
RGM Watches’ Manufacturing Process
RGM Watches’ manufacturing process is a testament to the brand’s commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques. The brand’s watchmakers use a combination of modern technology and handcrafted techniques to produce their timepieces.
The manufacturing process begins with the design of the watch. RGM Watches’ designers work with the brand’s watchmakers to create a unique and functional watch. Once the design is finalized, the watchmakers begin the production process.
The watchmakers use traditional watchmaking techniques, such as hand-finished movements and guilloché engraving, to produce each watch. They also use modern technology, such as CNC machines, to create certain components.
Each watch is assembled by hand and tested for accuracy before it is released to the customer. RGM Watches also offers a range of customization options for its watches, such as personalized engravings and custom dials.
RGM Watches is a brand that embodies the best of American craftsmanship and Swiss expertise. The brand’s commitment to traditional watchmaking techniques, combined with its use of modern technology, produces timepieces that are both unique and functional. RGM Watches’ dedication to quality and attention to detail have made it a favorite among watch collectors and enthusiasts. If you’re in the market for a luxury American-made timepiece, RGM Watches is worth considering.
RGM Watches Comparable European Watch Brands
Weiss Watch Company
Weiss Watch Company is a luxury watch brand that stands out in the industry for its commitment to American-made watchmaking. Founded by Cameron Weiss in 2013, the brand is dedicated to creating timepieces that reflect the tradition and heritage of American horology.
Cameron Weiss, the founder of Weiss Watch Company, is a watchmaker who studied his craft at the prestigious Lititz Watch Technicum in Pennsylvania, where he learned the art of mechanical watchmaking. After completing his education, Weiss went on to work at some of the most renowned watch companies in the world, including Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
In 2013, Weiss founded his own company with a vision to create the highest quality watches in the United States. Weiss Watch Company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, where all its watches are designed and manufactured. If you would like to take a tour of their Nashville workshop, check out their website.
Weiss Watch Company is known for its dedication to American-made watchmaking. Each watch is crafted by hand in the United States, using only the finest materials and components. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in every detail of its watches, from the intricate movements to the hand-finished cases and dials.
One of the hallmarks of Weiss Watch Company is its use of traditional watchmaking techniques. Each watch is assembled by hand, with the movements being built and finished entirely in-house. Weiss Watch Company also uses traditional techniques for finishing its dials and cases, including hand-graining, polishing, and engraving.
In addition to its commitment to traditional watchmaking, Weiss Watch Company is also dedicated to sustainability. The brand uses only eco-friendly materials in its packaging, and its leather straps are made from American-sourced hides that are vegetable-tanned and free of harmful chemicals.
Weiss Watch Company has several collections, including:
- American Issue Field Watch
- Standard Issue Field Watch
- Limited-Edition American Issue Field Watch.
Each collection is designed to reflect the heritage and tradition of American watchmaking, with a focus on durability, accuracy, and precision.
Overall, Weiss Watch Company is a brand that stands out for its commitment to American-made watchmaking, traditional techniques, and sustainability. Its watches are of the highest quality, with every detail carefully crafted by hand. For those who appreciate fine watchmaking and a dedication to craftsmanship, Weiss Watch Company is a brand to watch.
Weiss Watches Comparable European Watch Brands
Vortic Watch Company
Vortic Watch Company is an American watchmaker based in Colorado that has been revolutionizing the world of horology since its inception in 2013. The company is known for its unique approach to watchmaking, where it repurposes vintage American pocket watch movements to create stunning wristwatches. This approach to watchmaking is not only innovative but also pays homage to the rich history of American horology.
The Story of Vortic Watch Company
Vortic Watch Company was founded by R.T. Custer and Tyler Wolfe in 2013. Both had a passion for American pocket watches and recognized the beauty and potential of repurposing these movements into modern wristwatches. The founders wanted to showcase the history and craftsmanship of American watchmaking, which had been overshadowed by the Swiss watch industry.
The company started by acquiring old American pocket watch movements and then carefully disassembling, cleaning, and restoring them. They then designed and manufactured new wristwatch cases to house these movements. This process of repurposing vintage watch movements into modern watches has been Vortic’s unique selling point.
Vortic Watch Collections
Vortic Watch Company has three main watch collections:
The American Artisan Series
These watches feature restored pocket watch movements from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The movements are paired with custom-designed cases and dials, resulting in stunning and unique timepieces.
The Chicago Series
The Chicago Series is a limited-edition collection that features movements from the Illinois Watch Company. These watches are inspired by the Art Deco architecture of Chicago and are available in three different designs.
The Journeyman Series
The Journeyman Series features restored watch movements that were originally made for the US Army during World War II. These watches are rugged and durable, making them the perfect companion for outdoor adventures.
Why Choose Vortic Watches?
There are several reasons why Vortic watches stand out in the crowded watch market:
- Unique Design: Each Vortic watch is a one-of-a-kind piece. The vintage pocket watch movements used in each watch have their own unique history, and the custom-designed cases and dials make each watch truly special.
- American Craftsmanship: Vortic watches are made in America using American-made components. This commitment to American craftsmanship is a key selling point for the brand.
- Sustainability: By repurposing vintage watch movements, Vortic is contributing to a more sustainable future. The company’s approach to watchmaking is environmentally friendly and helps reduce waste.
Vortic Watch Company is a breath of fresh air in the watch industry. The company’s innovative approach to watchmaking has helped revive American horology and bring it into the 21st century. Vortic watches are not only beautiful and unique but also contribute to a more sustainable future. If you’re looking for a watch that tells a story and stands out from the crowd, then Vortic watches are the perfect choice.
Vortic Watches Comparable European Watch Brands
Oak & Oscar
Oak & Oscar is a Chicago-based watch company that was founded in 2013 by Chase Fancher. The company is known for creating high-quality, American-made watches that are both functional and stylish. Oak & Oscar’s watches are designed to be worn every day and are suitable for any occasion.
One of the things that sets Oak & Oscar apart from other watch companies is their attention to detail. Each watch is meticulously crafted and tested to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality. The watches are assembled in America using the best available components, such as Swiss movements, sapphire crystals, and American leather straps. This attention to detail and commitment to quality is what has helped Oak & Oscar to stand out in a crowded market.
Another distinguishing feature of Oak & Oscar watches is their unique designs. The company’s watches are inspired by a range of influences, including vintage aviation, mid-century modern design, and the great outdoors. This has led to the creation of some truly innovative and eye-catching timepieces that are unlike anything else on the market.
In addition to their impressive watches, Oak & Oscar has also built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service. The company goes above and beyond to ensure that their customers are satisfied with their purchases, offering a range of personalized services such as free strap replacements and warranty extensions.
Oak & Oscar’s commitment to quality and customer service has earned them a loyal following of watch enthusiasts and collectors. The company has won multiple awards and has been featured in a variety of publications, including GQ, Esquire, and Hodinkee.
Despite their success, Oak & Oscar remains a small, family-owned business. Chase Fancher, the company’s founder, is still intimately involved in every aspect of the business, from design to production to customer service. This level of personal involvement and dedication is evident in every Oak & Oscar watch and is one of the reasons why the company has become such a beloved brand among watch aficionados.
Oak & Oscar is a remarkable watch company that has set itself apart from the competition through its commitment to quality, unique designs, and exceptional customer service.
Oak & Oscar Watches Comparable European Watch Brands
Shinola
Shinola is an American luxury lifestyle brand that was founded in 2011. The company is known for its high-quality watches, leather goods, and bicycles, all of which are designed and manufactured in the United States. Shinola prides itself on being a company that is committed to creating jobs and supporting American manufacturing.
The company’s name was inspired by the adage “You don’t know s*** from Shinola,” which was a popular expression in the United States during World War II. The brand was launched with the intention of reinventing American manufacturing, and the founders chose the name Shinola to symbolize their commitment to creating high-quality American-made products.
One of Shinola’s most popular products is its watches. The company produces a variety of timepieces, including quartz, automatic, and chronograph watches. Shinola’s watches are known for their high-quality construction and precision, with many models featuring sapphire crystal, Swiss movements, and premium leather straps. In addition to its traditional timepieces, Shinola also produces smartwatches that combine the functionality of a traditional watch with the convenience of modern technology.
Shinola is also known for its leather goods, which include wallets, belts, and bags. The company’s leather products are made from high-quality leather and are designed to last a lifetime. Shinola’s leather goods are available in a range of styles and colors, making them a popular choice for both men and women.
In addition to watches and leather goods, Shinola produces bicycles. The company’s bicycles are hand-built in the United States and are made from high-quality materials. Shinola’s bicycles are known for their classic design and smooth ride and are a popular choice for urban commuters and leisure riders.
Shinola’s commitment to American manufacturing and job creation has earned the company a loyal following of customers. The brand’s products are available in Shinola stores across the United States, as well as in select retailers around the world.
Overall, Shinola is a company that is committed to creating high-quality, American-made products. The brand’s watches, leather goods, and bicycles are all designed and manufactured with care and attention to detail, making them a popular choice for those who value craftsmanship and quality. With its commitment to American manufacturing and job creation, Shinola is a brand that is poised to continue growing and thriving in the years to come.
Shinola Watches Comparable European Watch Brands
Martenero
Martenero is a boutique watch company based in Brooklyn, New York. Since their founding in 2014, they have been dedicated to producing high-quality, hand-assembled watches that are both stylish and affordable. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned them a loyal following among watch enthusiasts and fashion-forward consumers alike.
One of the unique features of Martenero watches is the ability to customize them to your liking. Customers can choose from a variety of dial colors, case finishes, and strap options to create a watch that truly reflects their personal style. This customization process is easy and intuitive, allowing customers to design a watch that is both unique and functional.
In addition to their customization options, Martenero watches are known for their attention to detail and quality materials. Each watch is hand-assembled in their Brooklyn studio by a team of skilled watchmakers who ensure that every component is in perfect working order. The movements used in Martenero watches are sourced from reputable Swiss manufacturers, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
One of the most popular watches in the Martenero lineup is the Edgemere. This watch features a unique combination of traditional and modern design elements, with a classic nautical look that is perfect for both formal and casual occasions. The Edgemere is available in several dial colors and case finishes, and customers can choose from a variety of strap options to create a watch that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Another popular watch in the Martenero lineup is the Kerrison. This watch is inspired by the classic dress watches of the mid-20th century, with a clean, minimalistic design that is both timeless and sophisticated. The Kerrison is available in several dial colors and case finishes and can be customized with a variety of strap options to suit any occasion.
Overall, Martenero is a company that is committed to producing high-quality watches that are both stylish and affordable. Their attention to detail, commitment to craftsmanship, and customization options make them a popular choice for watch enthusiasts and fashion-forward consumers alike. Whether you’re looking for a classic dress watch or a unique nautical timepiece, Martenero has something to suit your personal style.
Mertenero Watches Comparable European Watch Brands
Montana Watch Company
What sets the Montana Watch Company apart from other watchmakers? Their dedication to craftsmanship and individuality. The company is dedicated to making high-quality, handcrafted timepieces that reflect the unique style and personality of their clients. Each watch is made to order, with the client involved in every step of the process, from design to assembly. This personalized approach to watchmaking ensures that each watch is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, reflecting the client’s individuality and style.
The Montana Watch Company has gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and attention to detail. The company uses only the finest materials in their watches, including high-grade stainless steel, precious metals, and sapphire crystal. Each watch is assembled by hand, ensuring the highest level of precision and accuracy. The company’s watches are also designed to be durable and long-lasting, with many models featuring scratch-resistant crystal and water-resistant cases.
The company offers a wide range of watches to choose from, including classic styles, sporty models, and luxury timepieces. One of their most popular models is the Mountain Timepiece, which features a classic design with a modern twist. The watch’s dial is inspired by the rugged beauty of the Montana mountains, with a textured finish that mimics the look of a mountain range. The Mountain Timepiece also features a Swiss-made movement, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability.
In addition to their high-quality watches, the Montana Watch Company is also committed to giving back to the community. The company supports several local organizations and charities, including the Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation and the Flathead County Animal Shelter. The company also offers an apprenticeship program, providing opportunities for aspiring watchmakers to learn the craft from experienced professionals.
Overall, the Montana Watch Company is a true gem in the world of watchmaking. Their dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to individuality have earned them a loyal following of customers and admirers. Whether you are in the market for a new timepiece or simply appreciate the art of watchmaking, the Montana Watch Company is worth checking out.Conclusion
