Anyone with a passing understanding of horological history will recognize the significance of American watchmaking. From the mid-19th century on, American watch brands echoed the spirit of innovation that spurred the great American industrial boom. From modern assembly lines and ensuring the trains ran on time to incredibly accurate, mass-produced marine chronometers, America has a long and proud past when it comes to watch manufacturing. Time and technological progress have seen great names like Bulova, Waltham and Elgin largely consigned to the history books, while the rise of a new generation of American watchmakers is looking to the future through a more artisanal lens. One of the top students in this class is Joshua Shapiro, of J.N. Shapiro watches.
Deciding to build a watchmaking business in America is already an unconventional choice, but Josh Shapiro’s journey from teacher and educator to the man behind one of the most exciting independent brands is a journey at once unique and also, for watch lovers, relatable.
“For me, watches started as a hobby 10 years ago — my father and grandfather were machinists, so I grew up in a machine shop. My
