- Ford has teamed up with another American manufacturing brand, Shinola, to create a limited-edition wristwatch celebrating 50 years of Mustang
- Shinola is one of the first of 50 companies that will sell products bearing Mustang’s exclusive 50 Years logo – only 1,000 of these luxury watches will be sold
DETROIT, April 25, 2013 – Ford is teaming up with Shinola, a
Detroit-based luxury goods manufacturer, to celebrate 50 years of the
Ford Mustang with the release of a premium 46-millimeter wristwatch with
Swiss movements.
Only 50 companies will be licensed to create products bearing the Mustang 50 Years logo,
which was designed to celebrate the sports car leading up to its 50th
birthday on April 17, 2014. Shinola is one of the first manufacturers to
help mark this milestone.
“Mustang is one of the greatest icons in American manufacturing
history,” said Jacques Panis, Shinola’s director of strategic
partnerships. “We reached out to Ford because we thought it makes
perfect sense, as we share the same passion for craftsmanship and
domestic manufacturing.”
Bedrock Manufacturing Company purchased the Shinola trademark, first used in 1929 on a wax-based shoe polish, in 2011.
A year ago Shinola moved into a 30,000-square-foot space in the
historic Argonaut building in Midtown Detroit. Handmade watches and
bicycles are now being crafted there. Shinola also offers other
American-made products, including an artisanal leather collection, and
journals created with paper from Michigan’s sustainable forests. In June
Shinola will open a retail space.
Shinola opened its online shop in March 2013 debuting a
limited-edition watch – the Runwell. It was an instant hit – much like
the Mustang, which exceeded expectations and was an immediate success in
1964, its first year of production. To date, Ford has produced and sold
more than 8.5 million Mustangs.
“Like the Mustang itself, we want our licensed products to convey
an attitude of strength, passion and quality,” said John Nens, Ford lead
for global brand licensing. “Shinola embodies all of these things and
is a perfect fit to celebrate this special moment in automotive
history.”
The 50-year commemorative wristwatch exemplifies Shinola’s passion
for quality products and uses the finest materials. The quartz timepiece
features Swiss movements, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face and
premium black leather for the band with a screw-down crown. Waterproof
to five atmospheres, the materials and design details are brought to
life by highly skilled craftspeople who bring a special expertise to
executing this premium watch.
The face of the watch features the unique Mustang 50 Years logo.
Ford is unveiling several Mustang products over the next few months
that feature the Mustang 50 Years logo. Items from Shinola and other
manufacturers are available now at http://shopmustangfifty.com.
“The beauty of industry is still alive and well in Detroit,” said
Panis. “We are excited to be a part of a growing movement toward
American-made products.”
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