Tag / shinola

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Shinola Runwell West Wind Watch Features Plenty of Functionality for Spring and Summer Excursions

Shinola West Wind Runwell Chronograph review.

At least in my experience, there’s no finishing touch quite as useful, as eye-catching or as game-changing as the right wristwatch. As you well know from reading this Brooklyn style blog, properly finishing off your latest #OOTD with one of the best watches for men is a purposeful, stylish touch that goes beyond simply using your phone to check the time, and companies like fan-favorite Shinola understand this all too well, in the very best way possible.

Shop men’s watches and more at Shinola

One of the best men’s watches adds casually rugged style or else a touch of refinement to a look, it’s a further step in showing your attention to detail, and heck, it’s just plain fun, at least in my book, to rock one of the best men’s watches.

And the great thing is, brands like Detroit-based lifestyle brand and watchmaker Shinola make it relatively easy to get into the game, if you’ve not normally worn a watch or tend to go for a tried-and-true classic from a company like Timex (also one of the best affordable watchmakers for men, it should be said). But back to Shinola: The company looked to some of the earliest American watches to design its Art Deco-tinged Shinola Runwell Watch, its flagship model that’s now offered in a variety of crisp dial combinations plus leather, rubber or stainless steel straps.

Past Shinola reviews on this blog have dove into the utility and style points picked up by carrying an effortlessly cool Shinola Runwell Watch — it should be noted that although its watches are assembled in Detroit, they use Swiss parts, like a high-quality Argonite quartz movement (although Shinola has also expanded into automatic movements in recent years).

But the handsome Shinola Runwell Watch now has another counterpart in the brand’s lineup, the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph, a worthy complementary piece and a more expensive, retooled version of the famed Shinola Runwell Watch.

With an impressive 660 feet of water resistance (and plenty of capability to take on a simple ocean dip or pool swim), the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph might represent the brand’s most daring and dashing adventure watch to date, although the Shinola Monster lineup boasts plenty of rugged utility. But when it comes to the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph, you’re getting a nicely sized 42mm titanium adventure watch complete with a titanium strap or a crisp blue rubber strap option, plus added details like screw-down pushers and a screw-down crown to keep things watertight.

Learn more now about the Shinola West Wind Runwell

To bolster visibility, the brand finished off the vivid blue dial with multi-layer C3 lum indexes for high contrast in low light (cave diving, anyone?), while the Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph also boasts useful details like a 6-o’clock double date window, plus triple-chronograph utility (be sure to read up on Shinola’s suggestions for getting the most out of your Shinola Runwell West Wind Chronograph).

As we talked about earlier, the latest chronograph to join the Shinola lineup doesn’t come cheap: It clocks in at about $1,495, but it’s the sort of adventure watch you can dress up slightly (try it with a navy blazer, an Oxford shirt and rust-toned five-pocket pants) or style casually and simply with chino shorts and a pocket tee after a day on the water). For a handsome blend of rugged style and real-world utility, you very well might want the new Shinola chronograph watch on your wrist this season.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Shinola Runwell Duffle Bag – An Essential Travel Companion for the Seasons Ahead (And Right Now)

As winter’s many frigid days continue to roll through this neck of the woods (and perhaps your own home base as well), it’s worth wondering when the chance arises to break out of the frigid cold, yes? A worthwhile question indeed, and one you should keep top of mind as you plot your next getaway — and the weekender bag you’re going to pack to go far afield (or closer to home) also carries plenty of weight (and essential, stylish gear), yes?

The best men’s travel gear helps make the journey as enjoyable and stylish, or at least as functional, as can be — and with one of the best weekender bags for men, the routine of gearing up and packing up to hit the road takes on a new meaning. It’s no moreso apparent than when you opt in with one of my favorite style and lifestyle brands, period.

Think of it like an A-to-Z approach seen in one of the most considered lifestyle brands of the moment, and a favorite of this writer — Detroit-based Shinola delivers handsome watches aplenty, they deliver an incredible stay at the downtown Detroit Shinola Hotel, and now, they offer a curated selection of the coolest travel gear and leather goods on the market. If you’ve read this Brooklyn style blog over the years, then yes, you certainly know — or at least, now you know.

Find out more about Shinola ASAP this weekend

Difficult though it might be to cut through the clutter of stylish men’s travel gear, consider the Shinola Runwell Duffle Bag your new go-to travel companion for seasonal getaways as the country thaws out. Just as the ever-stylish Shinola Runwell Watch is a daily must-have for many on the market (this writer very much included), the handsome and durable, rugged-meets-refined Shinola Runwell Duffle has you covered from take-off to touchdown, so to speak, in matters of both form and function.

The Shinola Runwell Duffle Bag carries forward the same design principles as the famed and iconic (in a modern sense) Shinola Runwell Watch — read on for further past Shinola Runwell reviews on this very site for a deeper dive into the effortlessly versatile, Art Deco-inspired timepiece and its “daily driver” wearability. In the meantime, I’d wager the dependable build of the elegant yet tough Shinola Runwell Duffle Bag should more than suffice as you plot your next long weekend away, yes?

Shinola Runwell Duffle Bag review.

Fashioned with the company’s Navigator Leather and built with reliable Gunmetal hardware, the handsome Shinola Runwell Duffle Bag boasts 37.2 liters of carrying capacity, plus two slip pockets and an interior pocket, along with an external slip pocket for easy access to your everyday carry essentials.

Shinola leather goods review.

As the famed Detroit company notes, the Shinola Runwell Duffle Bag is designed in Detroit, and “built to be the last bag you’ll ever need.” Available in four eye-catching shades of leather built to patina beautifully over time, I’d wager your new favorite duffle bag from Shinola is built to complement your new go-to timepiece rather stylishly, is it not? If you decide to score one for yourself, let me know in the comments below.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Shinola Is Offering Savings of At Least 20 Percent On the Best Watches and Accessories for Men

Shinola men's watch review.

If you’ve been keeping up with this Brooklyn style blog, as I’ve been saying for several weeks now, you know that it’s prime time for scoring savings on tried-and-true favorites — as well as top-notch gear selections you might not normally find at a discount.

And so it goes when it comes to shopping for one of the best watches for men: A wristwatch these days is a purposeful, fashionable and stylish investment, even if you’re not dropping thousands on a Rolex or an Omega (or even a pre-owned luxury watch). That’s where Shinola, with its blend of Art Deco inspiration and modern performance, makes its case to join your watch rotation, with plentiful options below $1,000 and even $750 these days.

There are options aplenty that lean more towards the entry-level market, and I’d put Detroit-based Shinola firmly in that category — a step up from even the most premium Timex models (for instance) and nicely balanced between accessible, well-made and tastefully refined. I’m also a fan of the excellent Shinola Hotel and the company’s home goods offerings, but that’s neither here nor there at the moment, ehh?

Find out more now at Shinola

As is so often the case with Shinola men’s watches (and other producers), there’s a debate between quartz and automatic/mechanical watches (Shinola makes both!).

Take your pick as to whether you prefer a durable battery or something with more craft, because, again, Shinola does both (and has built out its brand focus over the years into more premium assembled watches). You can also shop handsome leather goods, stylish travel bags and even accessories like candles and matches at Shinola — talk about fun for the whole family, yes?

We’ll leave the quartz-versus-automatic debate to watch forums, but for now, let’s dial in (pun intended!) on the task at hand: Shinola is offering at least 20 percent off your purchase of stylish watches and men’s accessories sitewide, but buyer beware: That promo only runs through the end of the day today!

To get more specific: You can save $100 when you spend $500 at Shinola, on up to savings of $500 on your purchase of $2,000. For a watchmaker that doesn’t run sales all that frequently, it’s worth checking out and stocking up ahead of the holidays — on gifts for the watch lover, gifts for the lover of fine leather goods, and even the person on your list who loves a well-made blanket or a richly crafted candle. At Shinola, the possibilities are limitless (or, nearly limitless) and well beyond the world of watches, but these savings only run through today. Shop accordingly, my friends — cheers!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch is a Rugged Summer Wrist Game Essential

Shinola Monster Watch review.

While we’ve talked plenty about the best summer gear across the board — from stylish boat shoes to breezy T-shirts, versatile buttondown shirts, stretch chino shorts and even canvas sneakers — it’s high time we considered another crucial addition to your summer gear rotation. Take a look at your wrist: Are you a fan of watches? A budding watch enthusiast or a seasoned veteran?

Or perhaps somewhere between the two, but with a knowledge of and appreciation for the finer things in life, like Shinola men’s watches? Then you’ve come to the right place today as we consider one of the best watches for men — especially as you look to plot out your next summer adventure.

Learn more now at Shinola

Wearing a wristwatch in this day and age isn’t quite for everybody, as we’ve learned over the years, but if you’re into the style, intentionality and classic looks the right timepiece can provide, then I say again: You’ve come to the right place as we consider the adventure-ready delights of the Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch.

When it comes to Shinola reviews, we’ve talked about refined watches for everyday wear, as well as complementary pieces like one of the best leather duffel bags for men, and the Detroit-based brand has the market cornered as far as blending the best of the past with the present as far as the best men’s watches are concerned.

The Shinola Monster line of watches is also a personal favorite for that reason, boasting larger case sizes than typical dress watches and featuring more bells and whistles made to take on the deep waters of the Great Lakes (or the dust of the hiking trail, or somewhere in between the two).

The rugged Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch gets its good looks from the use of a black ceramic material for its case and outer bezel — the material is strong yet lightweight, and made to resist the elements.

The company also finished off the crown of the Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic Watch with a stainless steel coating for further durability — it’s like the brand has taken the best stainless steel dive watches, then lightened them up across the board with cutting-edge ceramic.

It doesn’t hurt that its minimal black build is complemented nicely by an integrated black rubber strap — this strikes me as the sort of watch that looks as at home with a short-sleeve henley and blue jeans as it does with swim trunks and a pocket tee on the shore. Even the caseback is adorned with red detailing, a touch one can’t help but love in terms of rugged, functional looks.

The wave-edged dial of this handsome yet sleek watch reminds the wearer — yourself included — of the depths of the Great Lakes, tastefully accented by red dial details. And you can be sure accuracy is top of mind as you wear this watch day in and day out, from city to shore, thanks to its SW200-1 Automatic movement.

Shop men’s watches and more at Shinola

If you want a hard-wearing adventure watch that packs in plenty of bells and whistles in a subtle manner, then the latest Shinola Ceramic Monster might just be for you — and if it’s your first introduction to a legendary modern brand with hard-working Detroit roots, I say for a final time: You’ve come to the right place.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Weekend Getaway to Knoxville, New Spring Gear & “Grassland”

Best things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee.

My friends, welcome back to another edition of the Friday Read, where we look back at the week that was and look forward to another stylish weekend — in Brooklyn, across the pond and this time, in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’ll be trekking south with my love Mary for a family wedding, outfitted this time in a new Alan David Custom suit in a pleasing seasonal shade — you can (and should) head to my Instagram to see how I’m styling my new duds!

And along with some southern BBQ, bourbon (a favorite sipper among my family) and quality time, I’m also expecting to spend some time exploring Knoxville breweries — a must-do part of any trek to a new city.

Knoxville is also home to the world’s largest Negroni menu (at least, as part of Negroni Week 2022, as I covered at Maxim), and I know myself and my love Mary are looking forward to checking out Brother Wolf for some utterly tasty sips — perhaps including the Oaxacan Negroni as shown above.

I’ll also be bringing along some casually cool spring style favorites from top brands including Huckberry, of course — all of the fun can be found if you head to my Instagram, folks. Onward!

Shop spring style gear and more at Huckberry

A quick note for all you film buffs and culture aficionados out there: You’d do well to check out Grassland, a social justice thriller set amidst the 2008 presidential election and covering the fallout from marijuana-related arrests (no spoilers here!). The film was executive-produced by none other than Common, and perhaps you’ll recognize a fitting tie-in — the watch shown above.

Actor and Michigan native Quincy Isaiah worked with Michigan watchmaker Shinola on the now-sold-out Shinola Grassland Watch last year (which I covered at Maxim), a further nod to inequities in marijuana-related criminal justice (and a great timepiece to scout out on the secondary market). For now, you can watch Grassland on streaming, and you can shop stylish men’s watches at Shinola in the meantime this weekend.

Learn more about Shinola’s ‘Grassland’ efforts

Here’s another quick read to shape your spring and summer style before another weekend getaway begins in earnest: I covered the classic, utterly iconic Vans Old Skool Premium Sneakers here yesterday on the blog, and suffice to say, they deliver a prime footwear upgrade for casually cool, laidback style and effortless good looks. To step into the weekend stylishly, check out the Vans Premium Old Skool at Huckberry, my friends.

And of course, to keep up with all the fun in NYC, Knoxville and beyond, head to my Instagram and hit that follow button — great Southern BBQ and craft beer await, along with a hearty dose of fun with the family and classic, suitably semi-formal wedding style. Our regular slate of two weekend style posts also happens to be on the docket tomorrow and Sunday, naturally. Cheers, folks!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Shinola Mechanic Watch is a Refined Timepiece for Everyday Wear

Shinola men's watch review.

The details often make the difference in putting together the best #OOTD for many a situation: The office, date night, a *day at the office into date night,* and so on. Accessories can take an outfit from good to great, especially a look centered around the classics — like an Oxford shirt and a navy blazer, for instance.

And as I put together a classically cool look of my own (check out my Instagram for more!), I often turn to a finishing touch via the best watches for men. In fact, I turn to one of my favorite brands: Michigan-based Shinola, a watchmaker that’s truly a lifestyle brand. There’s the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, plus an impressive array of Shinola furniture collaborations, but let’s talk about the Shinola Mechanic Watch as seen at the top of the page.

Shinola watch review

The best men’s watches needn’t be overly complicated or even overly expensive — and even something seemingly simple in terms of design can add a sense of sharpness to any look.

So it goes with the Shinola Mechanic Watch, so named for its hand-wound mechanical design — on a technical note, a series of gears and springs power the watch, without the need for a battery.

But we’ll leave more intricacy to watch blogs out there, since both the design and interior construction of this timepiece are still flawless enough to warrant your hard-earned cash (and time), and a place in your wardrobe.

Shop men’s watches at Shinola

When it comes to the Shinola Mechanic Watch, the difference really is in the details, and that includes a cushioned case design and domed alabaster dial, while pleasantly curved hours and minutes hands also lock in the tasteful throwback look of this timepiece. The dial exudes a mix of Art-Deco and Mid-Century Modern-esque charm, something I tend to appreciate about Shinola men’s watches.

In my book, the look of this refined timepiece is crisp and versatile enough to be dressed down (with a waffle henley and dark blue jeans) or dressed up (with a white Oxford shirt and a navy blazer, for instance). There’s simply much to love about a timepiece like the Shinola Mechanic Watch, which also boasts a dressy and retro-minded 39mm dial (keep this in mind if you favor a larger watch).

Learn more now at Shinola

And while this watch might seem like a splurge at first, it’s a worthwhile purchase and even comes with some distinctive touches, like that toothed crown on the right for self-winding. A handsome leather strap rounds things out quite nicely for pairing with your favorite brown leather boots — if I were you, I’d look to pair up the Shinola Mechanic Watch with as many ensembles as possible this season (and beyond).

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Shinola Canfield Holdall Is An Investment-Level Bag for Summer Travel

Shinola Canfield Holdall review.

Before you can set your sights on your next summer getaway, let’s take a step back. Or rather, several steps back. Yes, there’s surely something to be said for packing up accordingly, from one of the best summer shirts to the most versatile pants for summer, but let’s go a step deeper.

To be more precise, what stylish weekender bag for men are you taking on quick long weekend trips? The answer might very well be right in front of you in today’s post, courtesy of Detroit lifestyle brand Shinola.

Best weekender bags for summer travel for men.

The famed watchmaker blends both a rugged and refined sensibility with its selection of Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco-inspired watches, a lineup that already includes one of the best dive watches for summer. But its accessories (and an assortment of enviable home goods) are also worth another look — and that very much includes one of the best weekender bags for men.

The Shinola Canfield Classic Holdall could be the perfect go-between, a happy medium between a carry-on suitcase and an overnight bag. Made with premium European leather that’ll develop a handsome patina over time, this stylish men’s weekender bag checks the right boxes in terms of easy storage and transportation.

The interior is lined with soft cotton and comes complete with two interior slip pockets and an interior zip pocket for your everyday carry essentials. And in terms of that ease of transportation: Natural grain leather handles and a detachable striped shoulder strap deliver both style and utility at once. Keep in mind that although the Shinola Canfield Classic Holdall retails for the investment-level price of $1,395, it’s certainly built to last and delivers enough space to work for plentiful summer weekend trips.

Learn more and shop now at Shinola

Of course, because it’s crafted by Shinola, the handsome Shinola Canfield Classic Holdall will work well beyond summer, too. That’s the kind of functionality that’s tough to pass up, so rest easy knowing that your next summer #OOTD will travel safe and sound in one of the best weekender bags on the market.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This New Shinola Runwell is One of the Best Dive Watches for Spring & Summer

Shinola Runwell watch for men.

There are certain men’s style picks, especially when it comes to men’s accessories like one of the best watches for men, that can pull double-duty (or rather, triple or quadruple-duty) in any season. While you might reserve a pick like one of the best short-sleeve henleys for spring or summer wear exclusively, the very best men’s watches shine through no matter what, particularly one from Detroit-based Shinola.

Shop Shinola men’s watches now

That’s especially true if the watch in question happens to be a rugged dive watch. Apt for spring and summer, certified “cool” no matter what — and now, easier than ever to buy via one of your favorite men’s watch brands.

The newest Shinola Runwell takes the brand’s penchant for Mid-century Modern design to the next level, particularly given its highly functional stainless steel build (and crisp, classic dial).

Shinola Runwell in stainless steel.

The Shinola Runwell (read more via my Shinola Runwell review!). is already an icon of the brand, a flagship model that represents versatility and the city of Detroit.

It’s not quite as sleek as a traditional dress watch, but it stands out pleasantly all the same whether worn with your favorite suit or a classic pocket tee – and this version of the Shinola Runwell 41mm gets the job done in that regard, too.

Best stainless steel dive watch for men.

And in this case, the dial itself is notable in another way, behind its retro-meets-modern look — it’s done up in a shade of alabaster that contrasts nicely against the handsome blue numerals and the seconds sub-dial at 6’o-clock.

Learn more and shop now at Shinola

Within the watch itself, the brand used its Argonite 1069 movement, while the three-link stainless steel bracelet delivers watersport-minded performance and a slick finish.

No matter where you take the newest Shinola Runwell — out on a weekend boating jaunt, to the boardwalk, to the beach bar or to a summer wedding — it can pass muster in matters of style and performance. Your new favorite watch awaits, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Shinola Runwell in Black is a Stylish, On-Sale Men’s Watch

Shinola men's Runwell watch.

If something feels off lately — if you’ve been feeling like you need a new timepiece to freshen up your rotation of the best men’s watches, then I’ve got quite the deal for you today. Shinola, the Detroit-based lifestyle brand that’s long made some of the coolest men’s timepieces on the market, is back at it again in a major way, all in celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary.

Learn more now at Shinola

The company introduced a special-edition 10-Year Runwell recently, and they’ve just upgraded the Shinola Runwell Collection in an even more elevated way. Witness the incredibly sleek, streamlined Shinola Runwell Blackout Watch, a crisply designed timepiece that sees the brand stepping out in monochromatic fashion for dressy holiday occasions. How’s that for a stylish men’s watch upgrade?

Shinola Runwell Watch.

It’s a change of pace from the famed watchmaker, normally known for contrasting dials and watch straps, but that’s not a bad thing in the slightest. Oh, and there’s even better news: For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Shinola is offering 25 percent off your purchase until November 27th. That’s no joke, and it’s a heck of a deal from one of the best men’s watch brands — a brand that doesn’t often go on sale, at that.

Shinola men's watches.

Of course, the Shinola Thank You Tenfold Event isn’t just about one watch: It’s about some of the best watches for men, plus accessories, going on sale for a very limited time, so if you’ve had your eyes on one of the brand’s pricier selections — like the Shinola Monster Automatic, for instance — it’s worth considering a purchase at a stellar discount.

Remember: This sleek new watch — and many others are now 25 percent off through November 27th at the Shinola Thank You Tenfold Event, and that’s something to be thankful for, indeed.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Shinola 10-Year Runwell Watch Celebrates a Worthy Milestone

Shinola 10-Year Runwell Watch

It can certainly be tough to improve upon a classic in the world of the best men’s watches, and it can certainly be tough to mark a milestone like a decade of making the finest watches right in Detroit, but the new Shinola 10-Year Runwell marks the occasion quite handily.

At least, that’s how I’ve felt in my experience wearing the famed American watch brand, and perhaps you feel the same way. Like other modern Shinola classics (including the personal favorite Shinola Canfield), the Shinola 10-Year Runwell is packed with the brand’s DNA and only improves upon a classic.

Learn more now at Shinola

The crisp dial features a commemorative printed 10-Year marking on the caseback, while the dressy-meets-casual, effortlessly versatile and rugged-yet-refined watch comes in a nicely sized 41mm dial or a beefier 47mm dial size. It’s limited to just 1,000 units, and accordingly, the watch is powered with the company’s first Detroit-built movement, the Argonite 1069.

It’s a stylish men’s watch worthy of celebration, it retails for the highly agreeable price of $550, and you can wear it about as often as you please with other menswear essentials. You really can’t ask for much more than that from a timeless watch.