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Desibaba · 10 November 2015, 03:23 AM

All the expensive watches are swiss and the quartz ones are mainly japanese. Where is all the american luxury watch? The Cadillac of watches.

Noonan · 10 November 2015, 03:35 AM

RGM is an american luxury brand. Also check out Oak & Oscar. Swiss movement but US designer/company. Their first model is a stunner.

Highland Ranger · 10 November 2015, 03:47 AM

In addition to rgm - Kobold?although not sure they have their own movement.

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Noonan · 10 November 2015, 03:48 AM

I didn't know Kobold was US based. Great sports watches! They do use Swiss movements.

James K · 10 November 2015, 03:49 AM

Because we're better at making bourbons.

Dan Pierce · 10 November 2015, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James K

Because we're better at making bourbons.

Who is this "we" you are speaking of, Mr. west coast?

dP

GradyPhilpott · 10 November 2015, 03:59 AM

The US used to be the watch capital of the world. Just look up the great brands that used to call the US home.

The story goes that when WWII came along, retooling for the war put most of US watchmaking on the back burner, while the neutral Swiss just kept cranking them out.

There was also the fact that all those US troops trooping all over Europe were exposed to Swiss watchmaking and were snatching them up.

When the war was over, all those troops came home with millions of Swiss clocks and watches and the public got hooked.

The US makers began to suffer and eventually the quartz revolution caused their slow demise.

This is my recollection of events, but the truth is out there.

Just do some research.

watch2want · 10 November 2015, 04:03 AM

Because they make $1500 watches is that luxury !!!! maybe not true just throwing it out there ..... let's be honest what American cars would be in the top 10 of luxury cars worldwide (So that's everywhere except America)

nick c · 10 November 2015, 04:17 AM

What about Hamilton

Bfd70 · 10 November 2015, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noonan

RGM is an american luxury brand. Also check out Oak & Oscar. Swiss movement but US designer/company. Their first model is a stunner.

The owner of O&O organizes frequent GTG in Chicago. A WIS and a gentleman.

SearChart · 10 November 2015, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick c

What about Hamilton

Not really a luxury watch.

etp095 · 10 November 2015, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SearChart

Not really a luxury watch.

It may have been in the 50's?

Highland Ranger · 10 November 2015, 08:42 AM

What about Ball? Definitely swiss movements but recall cases being made here. Also have that company in Detroit forget the name. Might not be considered luxury either.

There are also a few kickstarters out there but to my knowledge only rgm making movements in US.

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Pix · 10 November 2015, 08:42 AM

Would you really expect a company like GM (cadillac) to be able to build luxury watches, they have a hard enough time building a car that does not get recalled.

hdrazor251 · 10 November 2015, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Who is this "we" you are speaking of, Mr. west coast?

dP

subtona · 10 November 2015, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Who is this "we" you are speaking of, Mr. west coast?

dP

However the guy next to me just said who is this we you are speaking about mr western world.

I understand Japan has bought a big piece of kentuckys bourbon industry.

Sorry for the off topic.

How about Shinola? They're trying.

bdex75 · 10 November 2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subtona

However the guy next to me just said who is this we you are speaking about mr western world.

I understand Japan has bought a big piece of kentuckys bourbon industry.

Sorry for the off topic.

How about Shinola? They're trying.

Shinola is trying. Just have to get away from the Chinese cases and on to automatic movements. Even if they are sourced miyota movements.

I have 4 of them and for $500-$1000 they are great.

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Highland Ranger · 10 November 2015, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pix

Would you really expect a company like GM (cadillac) to be able to build luxury watches, they have a hard enough time building a car that does not get recalled.

Cadillac perhaps doesn't have the cache of Mercedes or BMW, but brand snobbery aside, I don't believe what you are saying is true. GM in general makes decent product these days. And so far they haven't been caught scamming emissions computers (yet.)

brrrdn · 11 November 2015, 06:16 AM

http://www.tiffany.com/watches

Tiffany & Co? An American company, but their watches are Swiss Made.

GradyPhilpott · 11 November 2015, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick c

What about Hamilton

Hamilton is owned by the Swatch Group.

James K · 11 November 2015, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Who is this "we" you are speaking of, Mr. west coast?

dP

Yeah yeah, I'm just here for the job. I'm going out back east once I retire.

bradj · 11 November 2015, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pix

Would you really expect a company like GM (cadillac) to be able to build luxury watches, they have a hard enough time building a car that does not get recalled.

So true.. But then again the germans need to cheat emissions to meet their numbers...

http://ringoffireradio.com/2015/11/0...-cars-anymore/

Tokyo Time · 11 November 2015, 12:41 PM

If luxury means outstanding quality and good timekeeping after more than 132 years, here's a daisy. My great grandfather's silver Hamilton today.

tylerad1 · 11 November 2015, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokyo Time

If luxury means outstanding quality and good timekeeping after more than 132 years, here's a daisy. My great grandfather's silver Hamilton today.

They don't make em like they used to!

Boopie · 11 November 2015, 02:57 PM

Wasn't the founder of IWC American? I thought I read in the history of IWC that he located his watch factory in Switzerland because, then, wages were lower than they were in the U.S.

The United States also had a very thriving clock industry, e.g. Seth Thomas, New Haven, etc., in additional to having very good watch manufacturers (Hamilton, Elgin, Gruen, etc.) who made sturdy, reliable, and stylish watches for everyone.

The world of manufacturing changed dramatically with WWII, when Ford and the rest stopped making cars and made bombers. After the war, people were moving west and were buying new houses (Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley) , cars, appliances, etc. ... things that hadn't been purchased new in decades due to the Depression and war, and then the new technology of television came in. American technology turned towards cars, aerospace and, then, the defense industry.

Plus, at a certain point a Swiss watch had more cache than an American one, just like French fashion is considered to be more stylish and cutting edge than American.

Someone once commented that one reason German cars are engineered so well...arguably, over-engineered, is that the best American math/science/engineer guys went to work for Northrup, Hughes, etc. making military aircraft etc. Post-war Germany had a very limited military, so guys who might have been designing cutting-edge missile delivery systems and the like were instead designing transmissions for BMW.

I love vintage Deco watches, and there are so many stunning American made examples out there.

Tools · 11 November 2015, 04:49 PM

Expensive American Watchmakers were decimated by the Quartz wave, just like the Swiss Watch Industry was.

Elgin, Benrus, Hamilton, Waltham, and Bulova are no longer American Made..

But then, Omega, Blancpain, Longines and other Swiss watchmakers also bit the dust..

They only live on in name under the Swatch Group..

zama · 11 November 2015, 07:05 PM

America make many good luxury items including boats, but when it comes to watches and cars the platform is quite light on.......

Rock · 11 November 2015, 08:06 PM

Bit off track but I was pleased to find out the other day that there is actually an Australian watchmaker called "Adina" that is family-owned and has been making watches since 1971.
They don't pretend to be a prestige brand and say they are aimed at producing sound, good value watches for ordinary folks.
The business is based in Brisbane and makes 60,000 watches a year (60,000 anything is big numbers in Australia) It sources it's components from 5 countries.
They offer Quartz as well as Automatic movements and use quality SS cases with gold plating in some models, prices vary from A$160. to A$1000.

10 November 2015, 03:23 AM	#1
Desibaba "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Ft Lauderdale, Fl Watch: Sub,Pam90,SA2 Posts: 595	How come there arent any American luxury watches? All the expensive watches are swiss and the quartz ones are mainly japanese. Where is all the american luxury watch? The Cadillac of watches.

10 November 2015, 03:59 AM	#7
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK047 Posts: 34,460	The US used to be the watch capital of the world. Just look up the great brands that used to call the US home. The story goes that when WWII came along, retooling for the war put most of US watchmaking on the back burner, while the neutral Swiss just kept cranking them out. There was also the fact that all those US troops trooping all over Europe were exposed to Swiss watchmaking and were snatching them up. When the war was over, all those troops came home with millions of Swiss clocks and watches and the public got hooked. The US makers began to suffer and eventually the quartz revolution caused their slow demise. This is my recollection of events, but the truth is out there. Just do some research. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

11 November 2015, 04:49 PM	#26
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,516	Expensive American Watchmakers were decimated by the Quartz wave, just like the Swiss Watch Industry was. Elgin, Benrus, Hamilton, Waltham, and Bulova are no longer American Made.. But then, Omega, Blancpain, Longines and other Swiss watchmakers also bit the dust.. They only live on in name under the Swatch Group.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

11 November 2015, 07:05 PM	#27
zama "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Real Name: Craig Location: Sydney Watch: 4 Broken glass Posts: 5,808	America make many good luxury items including boats, but when it comes to watches and cars the platform is quite light on....... __________________ Day Date 118206, Daytona 116509 & 116505, AP 25859ST Gone but not forgotten and genuinely missed..... Root Beer GMT, Sub, TT Daytona, YG DD Bark, Datejust(2 his & hers), AP RO, PP Aquanaut, Lange 1, Heuer Monza, Piaget Altiplano, GP Chrono, Seamaster, Tudor Sub, Tudor Chrono, Tudor Black Bay Bronze

11 November 2015, 08:06 PM	#28
Rock 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rocky Location: Australia Watch: Grail:Bluesy Posts: 17,850	Bit off track but I was pleased to find out the other day that there is actually an Australian watchmaker called "Adina" that is family-owned and has been making watches since 1971. They don't pretend to be a prestige brand and say they are aimed at producing sound, good value watches for ordinary folks. The business is based in Brisbane and makes 60,000 watches a year (60,000 anything is big numbers in Australia) It sources it's components from 5 countries. They offer Quartz as well as Automatic movements and use quality SS cases with gold plating in some models, prices vary from A$160. to A$1000. __________________ Cellini 4112. Sub 14060M. DJ 16233. Rotherhams 1847 Pocket-watch. Foundation Member of 'Horologists Anonymous' "Hi, I'm Rocky, and I'm a Horologist..."

10 November 2015, 03:35 AM	#2
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	RGM is an american luxury brand. Also check out Oak & Oscar. Swiss movement but US designer/company. Their first model is a stunner.

10 November 2015, 03:47 AM	#3
Highland Ranger "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA Posts: 573	In addition to rgm - Kobold?although not sure they have their own movement. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

10 November 2015, 03:48 AM	#4
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	I didn't know Kobold was US based. Great sports watches! They do use Swiss movements.

10 November 2015, 03:49 AM	#5
James K "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 694	Because we're better at making bourbons.

10 November 2015, 04:03 AM	#8
watch2want "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: England Watch: DSSDDB Posts: 74	Because they make $1500 watches is that luxury !!!! maybe not true just throwing it out there ..... let's be honest what American cars would be in the top 10 of luxury cars worldwide (So that's everywhere except America)

10 November 2015, 04:17 AM	#9
nick c Banned Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 26,846	What about Hamilton

10 November 2015, 08:42 AM	#13
Highland Ranger "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA Posts: 573	What about Ball? Definitely swiss movements but recall cases being made here. Also have that company in Detroit forget the name. Might not be considered luxury either. There are also a few kickstarters out there but to my knowledge only rgm making movements in US. Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

10 November 2015, 08:42 AM	#14
Pix "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: midwest Watch: SS Datejust Posts: 1,288	Would you really expect a company like GM (cadillac) to be able to build luxury watches, they have a hard enough time building a car that does not get recalled.

11 November 2015, 06:16 AM	#19
brrrdn "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: meeko Location: austin, tx Watch: gmt iic Posts: 103	http://www.tiffany.com/watches Tiffany & Co? An American company, but their watches are Swiss Made.

11 November 2015, 02:57 PM	#25
Boopie "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beverly Hills, CA Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 3,952	Wasn't the founder of IWC American? I thought I read in the history of IWC that he located his watch factory in Switzerland because, then, wages were lower than they were in the U.S. The United States also had a very thriving clock industry, e.g. Seth Thomas, New Haven, etc., in additional to having very good watch manufacturers (Hamilton, Elgin, Gruen, etc.) who made sturdy, reliable, and stylish watches for everyone. The world of manufacturing changed dramatically with WWII, when Ford and the rest stopped making cars and made bombers. After the war, people were moving west and were buying new houses (Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley) , cars, appliances, etc. ... things that hadn't been purchased new in decades due to the Depression and war, and then the new technology of television came in. American technology turned towards cars, aerospace and, then, the defense industry. Plus, at a certain point a Swiss watch had more cache than an American one, just like French fashion is considered to be more stylish and cutting edge than American. Someone once commented that one reason German cars are engineered so well...arguably, over-engineered, is that the best American math/science/engineer guys went to work for Northrup, Hughes, etc. making military aircraft etc. Post-war Germany had a very limited military, so guys who might have been designing cutting-edge missile delivery systems and the like were instead designing transmissions for BMW. I love vintage Deco watches, and there are so many stunning American made examples out there.

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