Best USA Micro Watch Brands For Independence Day Celebrations
To mark the upcoming celebrations of American Independence, I wanted to look at some Micro Brand watches that are made in the USA. I've scouted some forums and come up with my top 5, based on looks and personal preferences.
Towson Watch Company
I first heard of the Towson Watch Company through their ambitious restoration and recreation of the world's oldest mechanical watch - Philip Melanchthon's table clock. The founders, Hartwig Balke and George Thomas have rejuvenated the spirit of American Watchmaking over the past 25 years.
They have mentored the next generation of American watchmakers - inspiring local artisans and engineers to work with their hands. My personal favourite from their collection: the NORTH.er which extends a distinct continuum of American craftsmanship and design. It has a stunning contrast with the primary colours all offering a cocktail of beautiful vintage aesthetic. $2.5k
DEVON Timepieces
DEVON timepieces are wholly developed and manufactured in the U.S., thereby capturing the unique character of the American dream. The ultimate validation of this innovative spirit came in 2010 when the Tread 1 was nominated for the esteemed Gran Prix d’Horlogerie de Genéve in the category of Design and Concept Watch – the first American watch brand ever to receive this laudable recognition.
They are a bit on the rich side for $22k, but if I had to pick one I'd go for the Tread 1 F. A watch that will certainly catch the eye.
Nodus Watches
Established in 2017, Nodus Watches is a leading watch research and design company based in Los Angeles that specializes in producing ultra-durable watches and components. Through rigorous research and testing of cutting-edge technical solutions, Nodus Watches seamlessly blend form and function into efficient and innovative designs. My pick of the range will have to be the CONTRAIL GMT - LAGUNA for $825. The grainy cream dial really makes this stand out.
Weiss Watches
Every Weiss watch takes over 60 hours to create and is crafted to be a trusted everyday heirloom. Inspired by American ingenuity and integrity, they take care to ensure that every edition surpasses historical standards; and with proper care, a Weiss timepiece will last for generations. I'm in love with the *Limited Edition* 42mm Standard Issue Dive Watch: Agave Dial, only 20 pieces in circulation. Currently $2.6k. The chrome dial with the thick black indices make this a very rugged looking, masculine watch.
RGM Watch Company
RGM Watch Company is located in a small town in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, an area with a rich history of watchmaking in America’s past. The time-honored approach of dealing one-on-one with people is instilled in RGM, and is as much a reflection of where they live as where they work. They take great pride in doing a job the right way while providing great value. Very much inspired by vintage military I'm picking the Model 600 Chronograph for its simplistic and classic look. Price not given on the website, enquire within.
Do you know anymore Micro Brand watches out of the US? Is it true that the US have stricter laws on what constitutes something to be made in the US? Please get in touch, if you're a customer or brand I would be very keen to learn.
Cover Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash
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