In 2012, Shinola reinvigorated American watchmaking by establishing its first factory in Detroit, the first of its kind in nearly half a century. Since then, the Detroit-based brand has celebrated this heritage through its Great Americans series, featuring limited-edition watches that pay homage to influential figures in American history. These include icons like Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe, artist Georgia O’Keeffe, and baseball legend Jackie Robinson.
Now, Shinola turns its attention to Elijah McCoy, a pivotal Black American inventor whose innovations have left an indelible mark on horological history. McCoy’s legacy includes the phrase ‘the real McCoy,’ derived from his groundbreaking inventions that revolutionized steam-powered locomotives, allowing trains to operate continuously without stopping.
The centerpiece of this tribute is the Elijah McCoy Mechanic 45mm pocket watch, inspired by McCoy’s engineering brilliance. McCoy held an impressive 57 patents within the locomotive industry at the time of his passing, impacting naval vessels, steam engines, and locomotives alike.
The design of the watch evokes the timeless aesthetics of railway clocks, featuring a clean dial with contrasting numerals. Its matte black finish, complemented by gold and red accents, underscores its functionality and legibility. Each watch is accompanied by a matte black chain and a custom wooden stand, adding a touch of sophistication to its homage to McCoy’s enduring legacy.
Shinola continues to honor American ingenuity and craftsmanship through its dedication to quality and innovation, embodied in each piece of the Great Americans series.
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