Skip to main content

After 6 Years, Shinola Is Finally Debuting the Runwell Automatic Watch

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Shinola, Detroit’s revered watchmaker, is definitely the kind of brand that inspires fanatical geekery, which isn’t just reserved for their watches (we’re big fans of their leather goods). Longtime followers of the company have been awaiting its debut of an automatic timepiece, and this April, their devotion will be rewarded. April 2 brings the launch of Shinola’s Runwell Automatic.

Six years in the making, the Runwell Automatic pairs Shinola’s flagship watch silhouette with Swiss automatic movement. To understand how big of a deal this is for the brand, Shinola made clear in a statement, “Ever since Shinola launched the original Runwell timepiece back in 2013, this automatic has been in the making. Now, building on that original design, the Runwell Automatic features iconic and refined elements, marking this as an evolutionary moment for the brand.”

Runwell Automatic 39.5mm

Available in two sizes, 39.5mm and 45mm, the Runwell Automatic refreshes the Shinola classic with thoughtful details including micro-tracking and a richly-printed dial. The polished case features a classic pumpkin crown and a double-domed sapphire crystal, while the domed case back features a sapphire exhibition window, offering a view of the Shinola bolt-embossed rotor oscillating in the Sellita SW200-1 movement.

Accuracy is maintained by 26 friction-reducing jewels and the timepiece features a 38-hour power reserve.

Runwell Automatic 45mm

As Shinola enthusiasts have come to expect, even the delivery of this watch offers memorable quality. The Runwell Automatic shows up in a rectangular cherry oak box lined with a protective velvet-textured insert and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity with handwritten manufacturing details.

Available April 2 at Shinola stores and Shinola.com, the Runwell Automatic retails for $1,095 for leather strap styles and $1,295 for bracelet styles.

For more on Shinola, check out all the details on their American-made leather program, as well as the latest project from the brand: The Shinola Hotel in Detroit, Michigan.

Editors' Recommendations

Chelsea Batten
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chelsea Batten is a writer, photographer, and Kerouac groupie. One of the original digital nomads, she was seduced from life…
Shinola’s New Detrola Watch Collection Is As Modern As It Is Colorful
Shinola Detrola

The Islander Shinola

Revered luxury goods brand Shinola is one of those companies that — at least for us — can do no wrong. Whether you seek high-quality craftsmanship or a geek-worthy aesthetic, the Detroit-based manufacturers offer everything from premium leather products and timepieces to jewelry, audio products, bicycles, bags, and more. It’s a trusted brand that is dedicated to making things last, and we at The Manual are all here for it. Today, we’re here to share details on its new release: the Shinola Detrola watch collection.

Read more
Baselworld 2021: 6 Insane Watches that Made Our Heart Skip a Beat
Hautlence HL Sphere

From outrageous styles to outrageous prices, the crazier corners of Baselworld 2019 (which takes place annually in Switzerland) are where the real gems are found. Unlikely to be sported casually around town, these are wrist-worn pieces of art, and are often as technically astounding as they are beautiful.

Take a look at our favorite attention-grabbing watches we tried on (and would have sold a body part to own) from Baselworld 2019.
The Most Insane Watches from Baselworld 2019
Hublot Ferrari GT

Read more
Overland is the king of ski towns: Celebrating 50 years of American mountain west outerwear
How did Overland win over the mountain town
Taos Storefront 2023

Every industry has its mainstay brands that only get stronger with more competition. There will always be some new and fresh idea that challenges all those before it and tries to change the industry. Then there are those brands they face, who have been around for decades, weaving in and out of competition and outlasting every challenge thrown their way. For every new and exciting watch brand, there is a Rolex standing strong. While there are plenty of explanations for why a brand outshines every other around it, Overland Sheepskin Co. has an explanation all its own. On this, their 50th year, we look back and try to understand how this family-owned business became the King of the Mountain towns and what keeps them on top.

Back in 1973, the flagship store in Taos, New Mexico, took a bale of sheepskin and a sewing machine and began creating coats, hats, and mittens for the surrounding area. As word began to spread about their quality, the whole family had to pitch in to help out to meet the growing demand. Five decades later, with 17 stores throughout the Rocky Mountains and across the country, they have become a mainstay in the mountain and ski towns for their quality and dependability. We got a chance to sit down with Monty Goodson, manager of the Santa Fe store and a buyer for the company, to find out how they did it and how they maintain the culture that has made them who they are today.

Read more