So it is the 4th of July, and it seems a day to talk about American watchmaking. And this is not an easy topic because frankly, there is a LOT of noise out there and big publicity machines droning on ceaselessly about how Shinola is bringing watchmaking back to the US. That's right, apparently RGM, Towson Watch Company, Montana Watch Company and the dynamic duo of Loatman and Thompson have done NOTHING. No doubt this is news to many of you ; )
Publicity is a funny thing.
Now let's talk about what is good about Shinola - they are employing people in a part of the country that absolutely needs jobs. They have trained these folks to assemble a quartz movement from a kit. Now while I would disagree with the statement that the movements are manufactured in Detroit, I will grant that kits are being assembled from parts and components by folks in Detroit. And that is to be commended!
I want to see more American enterprises - and I want to see honest endeavor recognized. And let's be very clear, there is NO 100% "down home" American made watch at the moment. But as is often the case, it's not what is said, but HOW it is said. And if we are very OBJECTIVE about this, we do not know whether or not this will be an heirloom watch that will be handed down from generation to generation. We can hope, and hope is a good thing! So while we're hoping, let's hope that Shinola will do something more. Take some of these folks you are employing and send them to a real watch making school. With the amount of money you are spending on advertising and marketing I feel quite confident you can afford it ; ) And THIS would really show your commitment to the people of Detroit, and a real commitment to building more than just a marketing project, but to truly build something sustainable.
Publicity is a funny thing.
Now let's talk about what is good about Shinola - they are employing people in a part of the country that absolutely needs jobs. They have trained these folks to assemble a quartz movement from a kit. Now while I would disagree with the statement that the movements are manufactured in Detroit, I will grant that kits are being assembled from parts and components by folks in Detroit. And that is to be commended!
I want to see more American enterprises - and I want to see honest endeavor recognized. And let's be very clear, there is NO 100% "down home" American made watch at the moment. But as is often the case, it's not what is said, but HOW it is said. And if we are very OBJECTIVE about this, we do not know whether or not this will be an heirloom watch that will be handed down from generation to generation. We can hope, and hope is a good thing! So while we're hoping, let's hope that Shinola will do something more. Take some of these folks you are employing and send them to a real watch making school. With the amount of money you are spending on advertising and marketing I feel quite confident you can afford it ; ) And THIS would really show your commitment to the people of Detroit, and a real commitment to building more than just a marketing project, but to truly build something sustainable.
Bravo!
ReplyDeletewhat about RGM?
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