Twin Cities, meet Detroit. Detroit, meet the Twin Cities.
I’m incredibly excited to announce that Max’s will be representing Shinola, a new company based in my hometown of Detroit. Taking their name from the shoeshine manufacturer of the early 20th century, the new era of Shinola launched in fall of 2011. They partnered with Ronda, a world class Swiss movement manufacturer, to help them build a state-of-the-art watchmaking factory in Detroit, and then trained Detroit locals on the delicate process of movement and watch assembly. As makers of watches, leather goods, journals, and bicycles, they celebrate the beauty of industry and investment in the American workforce.
If you know us already, you know that Max’s prides itself on representing artists who both design and produce their work. I knew, therefore, that Shinola would be a great fit for Max’s when I saw their commitment to domestic production. Shinola’s men’s and women’s watches, including the movements, are fully assembled in Detroit. Their bicycles are also assembled in Detroit, using handcrafted, lightweight steel frames out of Waterford, Wisconsin. Their premium leather is produced by Horween, one of the longest continuously operational tanneries in America, and their journals are made in Ann Arbor, Michigan (GO BLUE!!!)
Now for the personal part of the story. I was born in Detroit and grew up in the surrounding suburbs. Max’s is named for my grandfather, who owned Max’s Jewelry Company for 54 years in Hamtramck, Michigan, a city within Detroit’s borders. I have watched the continued challenges in Detroit with much sadness, and cheer on every bit of good news that comes from the city. It is with utmost sincerity I say that Shinola is a very bright spot in the Motor City; I really do believe they are poised to do great things for my hometown. But beyond that, their American-made watches are simply gorgeous, featuring all high quality components and a classic design. I think you’ll love them just as much as I do.
Oh, one other thing — when I first looked on Shinola’s website and saw that the their watch factory is just down the street from Hamtramck, it put a big smile on my face.
Some things are just meant to be.