There’s a certain romance to the story of American watchmaking, a narrative of industrial might, precision, and a uniquely national character that, for many decades, seemed relegated to history books. Then, in 2011, a new chapter began in Detroit. Shinola, a name resurrected from a long-dormant shoe polish company, planted its flag with the ambitious goal of bringing watch manufacturing back to the Motor City. It’s a story of urban revitalization and horological patriotism that has captivated many.