Shinola Mackinac Night Race: Forged Carbon & Swiss Power | Veloce
Shinola Mackinac Night Race: Forged Carbon & Swiss Power
Shinola goes dark with the limited-edition Mackinac Night Race. This automatic chronograph features a unique forged carbon dial and a Swiss heart, designed for seasoned collectors and nighttime sailing adventures.
By Nick
August 8, 2026 4 min read 0 views
At nearly four thousand dollars, a watch needs a story. Shinola's latest, the Mackinac Night Race, has a pretty compelling one: a limited-edition, forged-carbon automatic chronograph, designed in Detroit for sailing under dark skies. This isn't just a new color for their nautical line; it's a complete rethink.
40mmCase
$3,995Price
~48hPower Reserve
10 ATMWater Res.
The Mackinac collection has always been about Shinola’s connection to the Great Lakes. This new version takes inspiration from the 60-year tradition of night races on Lake St. Clair. It swaps the brighter, preppy colors of past models for something much more technical and aggressive.
Limited to just 500 serialized pieces, this watch makes a clear statement. It’s Shinola aiming squarely at the seasoned watch collector, with materials and mechanics to match. The question is, does it hit the mark?
Shinola Mackinac Night Race: A Deeper Dive
Let's get into the weeds on what makes this watch tick. The core of the Mackinac has always been its yacht-timer function. This is a specific type of chronograph, also known as a regatta timer, designed for the countdown to a sailing race.
The subdial at 9 o'clock isn't a standard minute counter. It’s marked for the typical 10-minute countdown period before a race begins, allowing a skipper to time their approach to the starting line perfectly. It's a niche, purpose-built complication that you don't see every day.
A Dial Forged in Pressure
The first thing that grabs you is the dial. Shinola used black and orange forged carbon fiber, a material more common in high-performance cars than watches at this price point. It’s created by compressing carbon fibers and resin under extreme heat.
This process gives the material a chaotic, marbled look that’s completely unique from piece to piece. Shinola states that no two dials are the same, which is a massive draw for collectors. It means each of the 500 owners gets a watch that is, in a very real sense, a one-of-one.
The applied brushed gunmetal indexes and vibrant orange seconds hand pop against this dark, textured background. Legibility looks solid, which is critical for a watch meant to be used in motion. The "old radium" style lume should provide a vintage glow in low light.
The use of forged carbon means every single watch in this 500-piece run has a dial with a completely unique pattern. It’s a custom touch you rarely find without a five-figure price tag.
The Heart of the Race: A Swiss Chronograph Caliber
Powering the Night Race is a Sellita SW511.bhc automatic chronograph movement, visible through a full exhibition caseback. This is a solid, Swiss-made workhorse, based on the architecture of the venerable Valjoux 7750 family. It’s a smart choice that delivers reliability.
Shinola specifies this is an "Elaboré Grade" movement. This grade sits above the standard version, featuring better components, finer finishing, and adjustment in more positions for improved accuracy. It shows Shinola isn't just dropping in a basic movement and calling it a day.
While Shinola doesn't list the power reserve, the SW511 platform typically provides around 48 hours. That's a weekend-proof reserve, meaning you can take it off Friday and it'll still be running on Monday morning. The exhibition caseback is engraved with the limited edition number, a final collector-focused detail.
Built for the Starting Line: Case and Features
The squared stainless steel case measures 40mm, a great modern size that should be wearable for many. The thickness is 15.15mm, which is substantial but expected for an automatic chronograph. The entire case is finished in a sandblasted black PVD, giving it a stealthy, tool-like appearance.
Durability features are here, too. The watch has a sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and a depth rating of 10 ATM (or about 100 meters). This is plenty of water resistance for swimming or any activity you'd encounter on the deck of a sailboat.
Shinola paired the watch with a matching PVD black stainless steel mesh bracelet. Importantly, it includes a quick-release system for easy strap changes and a micro-adjust buckle. These are thoughtful features that make a big difference in daily wear and comfort.
Editor's Take
This is Shinola's most serious mechanical watch to date. The combination of a Swiss Elaboré-grade auto chrono, a unique forged carbon dial, and a limited 500-piece run justifies its place in a collector's conversation. At $3,995, it's a confident move, betting that its distinct Detroit-assembled style can win over enthusiasts tired of the usual suspects.
Technical Specifications
Model
Mackinac Night Race Automatic Chronograph Watch
Reference
S0120492811-1-BlkOng-40-CHE
Case
40mm × 15.15mm, Stainless Steel with Sandblast PVD
Dial
Black and orange forged carbon fiber
Movement
SW511.bhc Elaboré Grade Automatic
Power Reserve
TBC (approx. 48 hours)
Crystal
Sapphire
Water Resistance
10 ATM
Bracelet
PVD black stainless steel bracelet with quick-release
I originally started VELOCE to put my skills to work, hone my app design and web development practices, and dive deeper into the world of horology. I wanted to learn more about the watches, the brands, and the incredible people behind them - the creators, the designers, and the collectors. I love discovering new timepieces and sharing their stories with the world. VELOCE is my ultimate passion project and hobby, the creative space I head to after my full-time job to build something I truly care about.
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By Nick
Shinola Mackinac Night Race: A Deeper Dive
