{"id":54572,"date":"2023-08-03T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/?p=54572"},"modified":"2023-07-24T09:11:46","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T08:11:46","slug":"best-american-born-watch-brands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/","title":{"rendered":"Best American-born Watch Brands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today, we move further afield with our Best Watch Brands series. In fact, this time we are looking beyond Europe and discussing the best American-born watch brands.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American watchmaking industry<\/a> has always been defined by its innovation and efficiency. However, it did have a slow start. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the industry was more dominant in Switzerland and Britain. As a result, America often missed out on the best watches, as these were sold to European markets. But, in 1850, large-scale watch manufacturing began to really take off in Waltham, Massachusetts. To aid with the process, many American companies created state-of-the-art machinery, such as an automated screw-making machine. This really set them apart from European watchmakers, who still did the majority of the process by hand. In turn, it also catalysed the birth of brands we know and love today including Ball, Hamilton, and Luminox.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best American-born Watch Brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ball <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First up on our Best American-born Watch Brands list is Ball Watch Company<\/a>. The brand has a very interesting history, which began with the advent of the American railway system. Following a fatal head-on collision between two trains in Ohio, in 1891 Webb C. Ball<\/a> was appointed as Chief Time Inspector. Ball was a local jeweller and watchmaker with his own shop, who had already amassed extensive timekeeping expertise. The accident occurred due to an engineer’s watch stopping, so Ball\u2019s task was to implement precision standards and regular timepiece checks<\/a>. Consequently, he laid out nine conditions that all railroad watches needed to meet, which watch companies agreed to. He also set up the BALL Time Service, a body that checked all railroad industry timepieces every two weeks. His success as Chief Time Inspector led Ball\u2019s existing jeweller shop to grow into Ball Watch Company as we know it today.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Ball watches are globally recognized for their high reliability as well as their elegant but utilitarian design. Central to the brand\u2019s portfolio are eight distinct collections, which include the Engineer Hydrocarbon, Engineer III, Engineer II, Engineer Master II, Trainmaster, Conductor, Roadmaster and Fireman. To ensure its watches maintain their reliability, the brand has developed technology like its Amortiser patented anti-shock system. These features set Ball head and shoulders above their competitors durability-wise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For its extensive involvement in American history and all of its innovative development since, Ball is a more than deserving contender on our list of best American-born watch brands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Best<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Recommendation: Ball Watch Company Men’s Engineer Hydrocarbon Original (43mm) Green Dial<\/a> DM2218B-S2CJ-GR<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ball\u2019s Hydrocarbon range is perfect for the avid adventurer. One of our favourites from the collection is this green dial Engineer Hydrocarbon. Forming the watch\u2019s body is its robust stainless steel case. At 43 mm in diameter and 14.55mm in thickness, it looks unmissable on the wrist. Framed within it is a green dial, adorned with diver\u2019s indices and three luminescent hands. Next to the 3 o\u2019clock hour marker is a weekday and date display, which adds another functional touch to the watch.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounding the dial is a luminous green bezel that rotates unidirectionally. It holds the watch\u2019s anti-reflective sapphire crystal in place which protects the dial. Each of these components works together to seal in 200 metres of water resistance. Additionally, the model is also shock-resistant to 7500 Gs and anti-magnetic to 80,000 A\/m. Securing this is Ball\u2019s own SpringLOCK anti-shock system, as well as an Amortiser, which is a second anti-shock system. Both of these mechanisms ensure the watch\u2019s COSC-certified RR1102-CSL calibre automatic movement maintains its reliability. Finally, completing the design is a stainless steel bracelet, which fastens with a triple folding buckle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hamilton <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Best<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The second brand on our list is another that is closely intertwined with the development of the American railroad system. Hamilton Watch Company<\/a> was founded in 1892 and quickly rose to popularity by producing rail-road compliant timepieces. Its first-ever collection of pocket watches, the Broadway, was supplied to workers as part of the effort to synchronise timings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the railroad, Hamilton\u2019s success has only snowballed<\/a>. From supplying wristwatches to US troops in World War II to becoming the official watch for several commercial airlines, Hamilton was highly prevalent in American society. However, above all its other achievements, the brand\u2019s most well-known role is being the \u2018movie watch brand\u2019<\/a>. Making appearances in various Hollywood blockbusters and even on Elvis Presley, Hamilton\u2019s cameos have become very loved by its fanbase.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stylistically, Hamilton has a very diverse range of watches in its contemporary collection. From the Ventura\u2019s wacky case shape to the Intra-matic\u2019s retro-inspired classiness, there is a timepiece for every taste. However, uniting all the models is their high-quality materials, durable build and conscientious dial design.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although we have only scratched the surface of Hamilton\u2019s history, there is much more to read here. Due to its successful ties to various industries across American society, the brand is evidently a worthy contender on our list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Recommendation: Hamilton American Classic Boulton Quartz *As Seen In Indiana Jones* (27mm) White Dial \/ Brown Calf Leather<\/a> H13431553<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Exemplifying the brand\u2019s reputation as the \u2018movie watch brand\u2019 is this American Classic Boulton model. Featured in the recent Indiana Jones film, this watch is the embodiment of the vintage charm characteristic of many Hamilton watches. At its centre is a satin-finished white dial with applied Arabic numeral indices. Additionally, gold hour and minute hands tick away at the centre of the dial. Below them, there is a small seconds subdial which replaces the 6 o\u2019clock marker. Matching the shape of the case, the dial takes a rectangular shape typical of 1940s watches. At just 27mm by 31.6mm in size, this gold PVD-plated stainless steel case fits snugly on the wrist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of the watch is Hamilton\u2019s 980.163 calibre quartz movement. To protect the watch, there are various features such as a scratch-resistant sapphire glass over the dial. Finally, tying the design together is a brown calf leather strap which fastens with a pin buckle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luminox <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our final contender is Luminox<\/a>. An American brand through and through, Luminox is the only one of the three brands that is still based in the United States today. Founded in 1989, it’s also the youngest by a long way.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, even in the brand\u2019s short lifetime, it has successfully paved itself a distinctive position in the horological industry. The brand\u2019s big break came in 1993 when the Navy Seals\u2019 RTD&E officer came across the brand at a trade show. At the time, the Navy Seals were looking for watches to accompany nighttime missions. Impressed by the young brand\u2019s collections, the officer and Luminox founder Barry Cohen worked together to develop a new model. This would be designed specifically for the Navy Seals and later would become a staple collection in the brand\u2019s portfolio.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known for its no-nonsense watches, Luminox prides itself on its durability. This has meant that they are the choice of many official forces in the United States. To name a few examples, these include organisations such as the US Coast Guard and the US Air Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giving Luminox an edge over other competing suppliers for these groups is its own unique technology. For instance, the brand\u2019s innovative Carbonox\u2122 material keeps the cases lightweight without sacrificing durability. Additionally, Luminox is also known for its trademarked Luminox Light Technology, which lasts for up to 25 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young but immensely innovative, Luminox is a great American-born and bred brand to close our list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Best<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Recommendation: Luminox MIL-SPEC 3350 Series (46mm) Black Dial \/ Black Rubber and Black Camo Strap Set<\/a> XL.3351\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Embodying Luminox\u2019s commitment to exceptional robustness is this MIL-SPEC 3350 Series model. \u2018Mil-spec\u2019 is an abbreviation of \u2018military specifications\u2019, referring to those set out in the MIL-PRF-46374G. This is a specification that outlines the sourcing, fabrication, material, quality and supply standards that watches used by the U.S. Department of Defense must meet. As a result, the 3350 series exhibits state-of-the-art durability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Featuring an all-black colour scheme, this particular 3350 model features a 46mm CARBONOX\u2122+ case and a unidirectional rotating bezel. It seals in 300 metres of water resistance as well as protecting the Swiss-made battery-powered quartz movement. At its centre is a black dial with printed white Arabic numeral indices and three white central hands. These features also all have a luminescent inlay, meaning that the watch is legible even in low lighting. Additionally, there is also a date display at the 3 o\u2019clock position. Finally, to complete the watch\u2019s design is a black rubber strap. Generously, this model also comes with an additional grey camo-print textile strap, so you can change up your design as you please. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that concludes our Best American-born Watch Brands list! But which is your winning contender? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments below. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Today, we move further afield with our Best Watch Brands series. In fact, this time we are looking beyond Europe and discussing the best American-born watch brands.\u00a0 The American watchmaking…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":54605,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[28,7988],"tags":[14756,5653,14750,14753,459,293,14759],"yoast_head":"\nBest American-born Watch Brands - First Class Watches Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Moving further afield with our Best Brands series, we discuss the best American-born watch brands including Ball, Hamilton, and Luminox.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best American-born Watch Brands - First Class Watches Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Moving further afield with our Best Brands series, we discuss the best American-born watch brands including Ball, Hamilton, and Luminox.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"First Class Watches Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-08-03T12:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-07-24T08:11:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pexels-tim-mossholder-2978019-1024x683.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"683\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Katie Dickinson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"First Class Watches Blog\",\"description\":\"All the Guides, News & Tips You Need!\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pexels-tim-mossholder-2978019.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pexels-tim-mossholder-2978019.jpg\",\"width\":8192,\"height\":5460,\"caption\":\"Best American-born Watch Brands\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/\",\"name\":\"Best American-born Watch Brands - First Class Watches Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-03T12:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-07-24T08:11:46+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b4ad8898d600010b76569d7ffabb9295\"},\"description\":\"Moving further afield with our Best Brands series, we discuss the best American-born watch brands including Ball, Hamilton, and Luminox.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Best American-born Watch Brands\"}]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b4ad8898d600010b76569d7ffabb9295\",\"name\":\"Katie Dickinson\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#personlogo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6affeb7c0d76db5ca57d3c7d816a0076?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6affeb7c0d76db5ca57d3c7d816a0076?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Katie Dickinson\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/author\/katie-dickinson\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Best American-born Watch Brands - First Class Watches Blog","description":"Moving further afield with our Best Brands series, we discuss the best American-born watch brands including Ball, Hamilton, and Luminox.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Best American-born Watch Brands - First Class Watches Blog","og_description":"Moving further afield with our Best Brands series, we discuss the best American-born watch brands including Ball, Hamilton, and Luminox.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/","og_site_name":"First Class Watches Blog","article_published_time":"2023-08-03T12:00:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-07-24T08:11:46+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":683,"url":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pexels-tim-mossholder-2978019-1024x683.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Katie Dickinson","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/","name":"First Class Watches Blog","description":"All the Guides, News & Tips You Need!","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pexels-tim-mossholder-2978019.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pexels-tim-mossholder-2978019.jpg","width":8192,"height":5460,"caption":"Best American-born Watch Brands"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#webpage","url":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/","name":"Best American-born Watch Brands - First Class Watches Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#primaryimage"},"datePublished":"2023-08-03T12:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2023-07-24T08:11:46+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b4ad8898d600010b76569d7ffabb9295"},"description":"Moving further afield with our Best Brands series, we discuss the best American-born watch brands including Ball, Hamilton, and Luminox.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-american-born-watch-brands\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Best American-born Watch Brands"}]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/b4ad8898d600010b76569d7ffabb9295","name":"Katie Dickinson","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/#personlogo","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6affeb7c0d76db5ca57d3c7d816a0076?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6affeb7c0d76db5ca57d3c7d816a0076?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Katie Dickinson"},"url":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/author\/katie-dickinson\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54572"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54572"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54572\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54608,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54572\/revisions\/54608"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}