How to Watch Made in America Watches
The watch industry has long been dominated by Manufacturers based in Europe. Some of the most revolutionary innovations in the field were contrived in France and perfected in Switzerland.
But in the 1970s, quartz watches introduced a tidal wave of cheap, mass-produced timepieces that wreaked havoc on American watchmaking. The resulting decline would put most American brands out of business.
1. Know Your Brand
Watches have been imported from all corners of the globe for centuries, but a number of American watch brands have started bringing the horology back home to the motherland. Some, like RGM, make most of their watches in the USA while others, like Shinola, import the parts but assemble them in a local factory. In short, there’s a lot of cool stuff out there for the watch enthusiast to ogle. So, to help you pick out the best of the best, we rounded up 13 of the best American made watches on the market. The best ones aren’t all made in the same place, but all the best watches are made with the best materials and technologies to create a well-rounded product that won’t break your budget.
2. Know Your Materials
If you’re looking for a product with a “Made in America” tag, there are some things to keep in mind. The Federal Trade Commission requires brands that claim to make their products in the US to follow strict guidelines. Those guidelines cover everything from how to word your Made in America tag to what country of origin you should be looking for on the packaging or online store.
Many popular brands make products in the United States, and it’s easy to find them on your favorite shopping sites. From Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to reliable vehicles, there are plenty of fun, delicious, and all-around awesome things to buy that were proudly made stateside. Here are some of our favorites to check out:
3. Know Your Components
Most watch enthusiasts are familiar with brands like Breitling, Rolex and Tudor. But there are plenty of other manufacturers to choose from, including lesser known but no less interesting competitors. The one thing these companies have in common is a commitment to the American consumer. In particular, they are keen to support local businesses and help create good jobs in the process. It's a win-win for the manufacturers and consumers alike. Fortunately, there are several ways to get a taste of the country's finest watchmaking, including live streaming events and online retailers such as TIDAL. And the best part is you won't have to leave your couch.
4. Know Your Final Product
When you see the words “made in America,” it means that the entire product originated and was manufactured in the United States. This is a critical factor when it comes to understanding the origin of a product, as the FTC has very strict rules for this claim.
Thankfully, you’ll find that many of the country’s most beloved brands still produce their products here — from classic candy to reliable cars and some of our favorite beers. However, be aware that some companies do outsource parts or use production facilities overseas. The best way to know what your final product will be is by checking the company’s website for evidence that they manufacture here, such as a list of employees, U.S. office locations, or even images or videos of their manufacturing plants. This information is usually enough to ensure that your product was truly made in the USA and doesn’t violate any regulations. But if you’re still uncertain about your product’s final American-made status, you can always contact the brand directly or check out consumer forums for more information.
