In 2013, Shinola introduced its Great Americans Series: a steadily-growing range of US-made watches honoring a variety of beloved American icons. Previous entries in the series included Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, the Wright Brothers, Henry Ford, architect Minoru Yamasaki, Maya Angelou, and NASA astronaut Alan Bean, though the Detroit-based watchmaker has now revealed its newest addition with the Smokey Robinson Collection.
Paying homage to the Motown pop legend and Detroit native, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr., the collection consists of a ($950) special edition Vinton watch – offered with a 32mm or 38mm case — with a three-link bracelet, polished stainless steel case, Argonite 705 quartz movement, blue enamel dial. Limited to 1,000 units, the watch is sold in a red oak gift box that includes a 45 RPM record of never-before-heard versions of “My Girl” and “My Guy,” and a polished 45 RPM adapter. Also included in the collection are a $35 limited edition Smokey Robinson journal set and a $3,000 Smokey edition Runwell turntable — of which only 25 were made — with a serialized platter baring Smokey’s signature and a matching blue enamel color on the belt-drive, stylus, and platter center.
