Shinola has returned with yet another amazing watch for us to admire, this time inspired by a pivotal period in American history. The Detroit-based watchmaker group has taken the milestone moment of when man first touched down on the moon – the Apollo 11 mission 55 years ago – and created the Mooncraft Monster: Apollo 11 Edition.
This exquisite timekeeper tells the story of the Apollo Space Missions while hinting at Detroit’s instrumental impact on the expeditions. With that in mind, this piece is also a landmark for Shinola as a watchmaker company, as this is the first time the brand is releasing a manual-winding timepiece.
All the iconic hallmarks of Shinola’s Monster models can be found in this chronograph, with an all-new watch case. This 43mm-wide piece boasts a blue aluminium bezel with an equally dark sea blue dial with a matte velvet finish.
While on the subject of colours, the watchface features red, orange, and cream hues that further highlight the watchface in a retro-inspired aesthetic, while also paying homage to the mission’s iconic colours.
To commemorate this significant moment in human history, the date of the first moon can be found between the 12 and 3 o’clock positions.
The piece’s open caseback provides an unhindered view of the rhodium-plated SW510 M b chronograph movement, which also features a laser-etched serial number, as this lineup is limited to only 500 units.
