American watch brands – quality with that certain extra
American watch brands have a long and very successful tradition. The most well-known models are probably still the watches from Apple. But there are many more American watch brands that not only have a brilliant design, but also have a high quality.
How the watch industry started in the USA
The history of the successful watch industry began in 1850. The three businessmen David Davis, Edward Howard and Aaron Dennison founded the Waltham Watch Company. They managed to shake up the global watch industry, because until then Switzerland had been a particularly big player when it came to the manufacture and sale of watches. But what did these three businessmen do better? How did they manage to shake up the market in the first place? They initially achieved this through a coherent concept. This envisaged mass-producing high-quality watches at low cost. The aim was not to save on quality, but rather on production costs. This meant that they managed to outdo the competition to some extent. For the time, this approach can be seen as very progressive. The specially built machinery in particular was able to achieve excellent results. The Waltham Watch Company created watches that were affordable for the average person. This was a particularly important milestone in the history of the watch industry. Inexpensive pocket watches in particular were an important flagship of the company. After the First World War, wristwatches in particular became very popular. In the past, such models were primarily worn by wealthy women. Now this trend has reversed, as more and more men with average incomes are also opting for a watch of this type.
With the right budget, every dream can come true
Many American watch brands are characterized by their particularly high quality. This is reflected in the purchase price. One model that is still relatively affordable is the Vintage Waltham Bathyscape Paul Newman. This model is available from around €3,000. This watch has the typical design of the 1950s and 1960s and is both simple and elegant. The dial has no numbers at all. The stylish braided strap fits comfortably on any wrist.
Which watch brands are currently particularly in demand in this area?
1 Timex
Timex is considered the most popular watch in this category. It is not only particularly beautiful, but also affordable. There is a large selection and many users particularly appreciate the long durability of these watches. The Timex Chronograph Quartz model is particularly worth mentioning here and is characterized by a very simple design. You can combine this watch with all kinds of clothing.
2 Hamilton
Hamilton is also one of the most popular American watch brands. Strictly speaking, however, it is not a model from the USA. Although this model was first produced in the USA in 1892, this watch is currently owned and manufactured in Switzerland. The mixture of American spirit and Swiss movement is what makes it so appealing. The look is extremely unusual and has a particularly extravagant effect.
3 RGM
RGM is one of the newer watch models from the USA and has only been produced for a few decades. The company was founded in 1992 by Roland G. Murphy. The range is extremely diverse and extends from standard models to tailor-made luxury watches.
4 Autodromo
Watches from the Autodromo brand are specialized in the theme of motorsport and are aimed primarily at car enthusiasts from the 60s and 70s of the last century. The design of the watches is precisely tailored to this era.
5 Niall
The Niall brand is less sporty and focuses more on the production of luxury watches. The company is based in Kansas City. The company is still quite young and has only existed since 2012.
6 white
The watches of the Weiss brand should not be left unmentioned. They produce top-class field watches that are intended to maintain the spirit of the old watch history of the USA. The case and the buckles are made of stainless steel. This is intended to protect against corrosion and thus ultimately ensure that the watch lasts a long time. The dial of this watch is made of solid brass. The manufacturing process of a single watch of this brand is set at around 35 hours. Precision and great attention to detail are of particularly high importance here.
7 goblins
The Kobold watch brand was founded in 1998 by Mike Kobold. This watch is more of a leisure watch, as it was deliberately designed to be used for all outdoor activities. All parts are very robust. For years, Kobold has always been based on Swiss manufacturing and has adopted many design steps, but without sacrificing the fresh spirit of American design. The first model was launched in the USA in 2006.
8 watches from Smith & Bradley
These watches have a very sporty look and are designed to be worn by people on a smaller budget. This is not a classic luxury watch, but rather a practical timepiece that still looks very attractive. The company's current headquarters are in Illinois.
Conclusion – how good are the models from the USA?
When you think of watches, you certainly don't think of the USA first. But this is more or less a misconception, because watch models from the USA are very trendy. There is a model to suit every taste and almost every budget. American watch brands are characterized by an extravagant style combined with a high level of quality. However, there are not only expensive luxury watches. In any case, you can also buy watches here that are not only particularly inexpensive, but also very attractively designed. But what makes the watch brands of the USA so unique? There is certainly no general answer here and a lot always depends on personal taste, but these watches have that certain something extra to offer.