After yesterday’s Seiko recommendation, I fielded quite a few emails about my own patriotism. Here’s one such example:

“Why on earth would you recommend a Chinese made watch when you could recommend a Shinola – a watch quite literally made in Detroit?”

The answer is simple – Shinola is full of shit. I like their watches and even appreciate the side effects of a big money corporation trying to monetize and market Detroit’s peril, but I just can’t get onboard with what is so obviously bullshit. Read this.

If you want an “Americanish” made watch, there are much better options. MKII and Kobold are just two examples of scrappy little companies that work hard to keep their product’s American heritage in check without selling you a line of shit.

I’m a watch a guy… And quite often, I’m asked by my non-watch-guy pals for advice on what watch to get for their everyday watch. I recommend Seiko to just about everyone. They are affordable (in the watch world) and frankly, they are also the best watches in the world. Pick the one you like (just don’t get a quartz please) and you are most likely good for many years to come.

Anyway, I think my favorite affordable Seiko automatic right now is the SNKM97. It’s gotta cool retro look to it, a cushion case, and an absolutely fantastic movement.

Get yours here.