American Watchmaker J.N. Shapiro Creates Resurgence Watch
The First American-made Timepiece in Over 50 Years
Joshua Nathan Shapiro, founder of J.N. Shapiro, proudly claims that the Resurgence watch is the first timepiece completely made in the United States since Hamilton watches closed down in 1969. Based in Torrance, California, J.N. Shapiro crafts 148 out of the watch’s 180 components domestically and sources the majority of the remaining parts from U.S.-based companies. This meets the Federal Trade Commission’s standard that “all or virtually all” the product’s parts must be made in the United States to carry the “Made in the U.S.A.” label.
From Dream to Reality
For Joshua Shapiro, creating a watch entirely from scratch and with domestically sourced parts was a long-time dream. Twelve years ago, he started his journey into watchmaking, and now, that dream has become a reality. In May, the 38-millimeter Resurgence watch was introduced on the company’s website and has already sold 52 units. J.N. Shapiro plans to produce 36 Resurgence watches annually.
A Beautifully Customizable Design
The Resurgence watch comes in several customizable colorways. The company showcases six iterations on its website. The options include an 18-karat rose gold case with either a frosted silver-white dial or a dark gray zirconium dial, an 18-karat palladium white gold case with a frosted silver dial, or a tantalum case with navy dial, among others. The watches are priced between $70,000 and $85,000 depending on the material and design chosen.
A Classic Timeless Dress Watch
Described as a classic dress watch, the Resurgence combines timeless elegance with unique patterns and designs. Mr. Shapiro’s signature guilloché pattern, a rarity on American watches, adorns all the dials. The Resurgence offers three bridge designs for the movement, purely for aesthetic purposes. This attention to detail and craftsmanship sets the Resurgence apart.
Reviving American Watchmaking
The decline of American watchmaking after World War II led to the rise of the Swiss. However, a recent resurgence of young and talented watchmakers has revived interest globally. Joshua Shapiro’s passion for watchmaking stems from his family’s legacy, as his inspiration came from his paternal grandfather’s machine shop. His dedication to preserving the art of traditional watchmaking reflects the broader goals of the passionate community of American watchmakers.
The Growth of J.N. Shapiro
J.N. Shapiro has seen significant growth in recent years. Starting with the successful launch of the $30,000 Infinity series, the brand quickly expanded. The company now has a team of seven, including three watchmakers, a master engraver, a CNC machine operator, and two business-side workers. With a commitment to quality and control over the production process, Joshua Shapiro is excited about the brand’s future and is proud of the growth they have achieved.
