In the world of horology, Swiss watchmaking is often regarded as the creme de la creme. However, many countries besides Switzerland are exquisite watch manufacturers and boast incredible watch brands you should know. The USA is a shining example of names that you need to be aware of, with a range of phenomenal watch brands crafting impressive timepieces. Once upon a time, the USA was the dominant watch manufacturer in the world, and it was their business model of mass production that inspired the Swiss watchmaking industry that we know and love today. The USA continues to innovate, and today, the country has some seriously incredible watch brands, from huge horological houses to boutique designers. If you have not heard of these watch brands before, they are definitely American watch brands to know, as they are currently the top watch brands in the USA.
Autodromo
Founded in 2011, Autodromo is currently one of the best American watch brands. The brainchild of designer Bradley Price, Autodromo is a company that has a passion for watchmaking flowing through its core and seamlessly blends horology with the world of automobiles. Price’s enthusiasm for the automotive world is evident throughout the Autodromo collection, with regular nods to motor racing and classic cars. The watches launched are the perfect timepieces for dual-passion collectors who admire both watches and cars. Inspired by car culture between the 1950s and 1980s and the golden age of motoring, each timepiece has a breathtaking vintage design. The simple, minimalist and elegant aesthetic of every watch in Autodromo’s collections makes them enviable timepieces that will undoubtedly be a real talking point.
Brew Watches
Coffee lovers rejoice as Brew Watches is arguably the most unique watchmaking brand that the horological world has ever seen. Brew Watches has become a real success since it entered the watchmaking world in 2015 with designs influenced by industrial coffee machines. The brand’s philosophy is to reflect the individuality of coffee machines with a range of colours, a variety of textures and an industrial aesthetic. Brew Watches’ two house blends are Metric and Radiograph, the iconic designs of the brand available in a range of colourways. This microbrand was voted American Watch Brand of the Year by WatchPro and is making serious waves in the watchmaking world.
Cornell Watch Company
As one of the newest additions to enter the world of watchmaking, Cornell Watch Company is one that really needs to impress to catch up to the competition but the brand is taking this in its stride. The brand is already one of the top watch brands in the USA with a cult following and an already prestigious reputation. With a design inspired by the pocket watches of the railroad age, the first timepiece that Cornell Watch Company has launched is an American classic. Considered to be a revival of the Cornell Watch Company of 1870 that was heavily impacted by the great fire, the 1870 CE is traditionally crafted with the same Grand Feu enamel dial, thermal blued hands and hand-finished movement decorations that the original railroad pocket watch featured. Hand-finished before rigorous testing from the RGM Watch Company, the 1870 CE was an instant sell-out sending Cornell Watch Company straight to the top of the list for American watch brands to know.
Devon Works
For the most unique timepieces currently on the market, look no further than Devon Works. A brand that boasts a timepiece that was a finalist for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Genève in 2010, a rare achievement for a US brand, Devon Works invented its own patented movement technology. Using a series of ‘time belts’, the Devon Works timepieces are powered by a microprocessor movement rather than using the typical quartz or mechanical technology. An industrial designer by trade, founder Scott Devon has ploughed his expertise into the brand, creating timepieces that are not only unique in design and appearance but also unique in the way that they work. Every watch collector needs to get to know Devon Works, one of the top watch brands in the USA, for their technological innovation.
J.N. Shapiro
A relative newbie on the circuit, J.N. Shapiro has created a real name for itself since the launch of the Infinity Series in 2018. However, its latest release, the Resurgence, is the true crown jewel in the Shapiro crown. The Resurgence is a California-made watch crafted exclusively in-house that finally launched in 2023 after four years in development. The J.N. Shapiro philosophy is to appreciate the journey as much as the destination, and the Resurgence timepiece is a true ode to that motto, a final product to admire following a turbulent path. The multi-layered dial is available in customizable colors, and each layer is a different metal, engine-turned separately, and expertly fitted by hand. It also boasts the iconic Shapiro Infinity Weave, which is distinctive to the brand.
Kobold
A class project that turned into a brand attracting VIP clients, Kobold is a big name on the American horological landscape. When 19-year-old Michael Kobold started the brand at college, he could never have dreamed that the likes of Kiefer Sutherland and Ranulph Fiennes would be sporting Kobold. The first American watch brand to exclusively sell its watches online, Kobold has attracted a prestigious fan base since its early days. The brand specializes in expedition tools with timepieces built for mountaineering, diving, and polar exploration. With headquarters based in Pittsburgh, Kobold assembles watches in both the USA and at a workshop in Nepal. The Himalayas workshop supports an initiative to train the native Sherpa population in watchmaking, in keeping with their dedication to creating professional-grade tool watches and reflecting their ‘Embrace Adventure’ tagline.
Oak & Oscar
Influenced by the classic designs of sports watches from the 1970s and 1980s, the Oak & Oscar collections are nothing but timeless and sophisticated. The brand’s signature collection features The Atwood, The Humboldt GMT, and The Olmsted 38, three elegant timepieces available in different colors and with different straps. However, the brand is also famous for its limited edition releases and brand partnerships that are often released to celebrate special events. However, the fastest sellers of Oak & Oscar are the Limited Production Watches. These impressive timepieces require extra care and attention to detail, are produced in extremely low numbers, and boast the rare factor, making them incredible investment pieces. Once you fall head over heels for Oak & Oscar, the Limited Production launches are a race that you will always want to enter.
Timex
While American watch brands come and go, Timex is a brand that has stood the test of time. Dating back to 1854, Timex is still launching collections today and is known for its American designs and affordable price tags. Timex is a department store for watches, boasting every style, design, and watch type imaginable. Their marketing strategy is that every watch has a story to tell, and that is why you will find the brand producing everything from military-inspired designs to dainty, elegant wristwatches. Timex also excels in brand partnerships, releasing watches in collaboration with brands from Carhartt to Peanuts. However, The Ironman Adrenaline is one of Timex’s bestsellers, a high-performance sports watch built to withstand extreme conditions. With 100m water resistance, low light visibility, and reinforced design, it is built to endure almost any condition, in keeping with the iconic Ironman triathlon.
Weiss Watch Company
Born in southern California and now based in Tennessee, Weiss is a brand that is truly influenced by American culture. One of the best American watch brands, Weiss brings modern twists to classic American field and dive watch designs with unique colorways that pop, like Tennessee Tangerine and Agave. Although one of the brand’s major selling points is its vibrant take on traditional timepieces, Weiss also ensures that every watch collector is satisfied with more minimalistic aesthetics. Each timepiece is entirely built by hand in Weiss’ Nashville workshop by a Swiss-trained American watchmaker, and the brand prides itself on sourcing every material domestically. Weiss timepieces are a melting pot of art and engineering, with both creativity and precision evident in every timepiece.
