American watch brands – quality with that certain extra

American watch brands have a long and very successful tradition. Apple watches are probably still among the most well-known models. But there are many more American watch brands that not only boast stunning designs but also offer high quality.

How the watch industry began in the USA

The history of the successful watch industry began back in 1850. Three businessmen, David Davis, Edward Howard, and Aaron Dennison, founded the Waltham Watch Company. They succeeded in shaking up the global watch industry, as Switzerland had previously been a particularly large player in the manufacture and sale of watches. But what did these three businessmen do better? How did they even manage to shake up the market? They initially achieved this through a coherent concept. This entailed, in particular, mass-producing high-quality watches at low cost. The aim was not to cut quality, but rather to cut production costs. This enabled them to outdo the competition to some extent. For the time, this approach can certainly be considered very progressive. Above all, the purpose-built machinery achieved outstanding results. The Waltham Watch Company created watches that were affordable even for the average person. This was a particularly important milestone in the history of the watch industry. Affordable pocket watches, in particular, were an important flagship of the company. After the First World War, wristwatches, in particular, became very fashionable. Previously, such models were primarily worn by wealthy women. Now this trend has reversed, as more and more men with average incomes also opted for this type of watch.

With the right budget, every dream can come true

Many American watch brands are characterized by their exceptionally high quality. This is reflected in the purchase price. A relatively affordable model in this category is the Vintage Waltham Bathyscape Paul Newman. This model is available starting at around €3,000. This watch features the typical design of the 1950s and 1960s and is both simple and elegant. The dial features no numerals at all. The stylish braided strap fits comfortably on any wrist.

Which watch brands are currently particularly in demand in this area?

1 Timex

Timex is considered the most popular watch in this category. It's not only exceptionally beautiful, but also affordable. The selection is vast, and many users particularly value the durability of these watches. The Timex Chronograph Quartz model is particularly noteworthy, featuring a very simple design. This watch can be combined with all kinds of outfits.

2 Hamilton

Hamilton is also one of the most popular American watch brands. Strictly speaking, however, it is not a US model at all. While this model was first produced in the US since 1892, it is currently owned and manufactured in Switzerland. The blend of American spirit and Swiss movement gives it its special appeal. The look is extremely unusual and has a particularly extravagant feel.

3 RGM

RGM is one of the newer watch models from the USA and has only been in production for a few decades. The company was founded in 1992 by Roland G. Murphy. The product range is extremely diverse, ranging from standard models to custom-made luxury watches.

4 Autodromo

Autodromo watches specialize in motorsports and are aimed primarily at car enthusiasts of the 1960s and 1970s. The design of the watches is precisely tailored to this era.

5 Niall

The Niall brand is less sporty and focuses more on the production of luxury watches. The company is based in Kansas City. The company is still quite young, having only existed since 2012.

6 White

Weiss watches should not be overlooked. They produce top-class field watches that are intended to uphold the spirit of the USA's long-standing watchmaking history. The case and buckles are made of stainless steel. This is primarily intended to protect against corrosion and thus ultimately ensure the watch's longevity. The dial of this watch is made of solid brass. The production process for a single watch of this brand is set at approximately 35 hours. Precision and meticulous attention to detail are of paramount importance here.

7 Goblin

The Kobold watch brand was founded in 1998 by Mike Kobold. This watch is more of a leisure watch, as it was deliberately designed to serve its purpose primarily for all outdoor activities. All components are very robustly constructed. For years, Kobold has consistently followed Swiss manufacturing principles, adopting many design steps while retaining the fresh spirit of American design. The first model was launched in the USA in 2006.

8 watches from Smith & Bradley

These watches have a very sporty look and were designed to be worn primarily by those on a tighter budget. This isn't a classic luxury watch, but rather a practical timepiece that still looks very attractive. The company's current headquarters are in Illinois.

Conclusion – what are the models from the USA worth?

When you think of watches, the USA certainly doesn't spring to mind. But this is more or less a fallacy, because watch models from the USA are very trendy. There is a model to suit every taste and almost every budget. American watch brands are characterized by extravagant style combined with a high level of quality. However, there are not only expensive luxury watches. You can also buy watches here that are not only particularly affordable but also very attractively designed. But what makes US watch brands so unique? There is certainly no general answer to this question, and a lot depends on personal taste, but these watches do have that certain something extra to offer.