Newness News: USA Assembled Shinola Duck automatic 38mm

Shinola Duck Automatic 38mm – $895 – $1095

Pricing Notes: Cost depends on whether you go with the standard equipped Miyota 9015 (42 hour power reserve), or the special 2-strap edition which comes with the new Miyota 9085 (80 hour power reserve). Brushed PVD Gold tone is at the $1095 price point, but note those come with the standard 9015 and no extra strap.

In the never ending search for the best GADA (go anywhere do anything) watch on the market… Shinola may have just flown towards the top of the list. Here’s what their new Duck automatic line has going for it:

• 38mm diameter case (on trend/more classically sized)
• 11.2mm thickness (nice and svelte for a dive style)
• Quick release spring bars on the bracelet for easy strap swap outs
• Slim dive bezel is sporty but can also be dressed up with a suit
• H-link bracelet is mainly brushed with some small polished surfaces
• Quick micro adjust in the clasp (but note it’s not a button operated on-the-fly slider/ratchet)
• Four design versions using two different Miyota automatic movements.
• Assembled in the USA

Special edition comes with an extra strap and then new up to 80 hour Miyota 9085

That thing looks the business. And as the diver characteristics are subtle and not overwhelming, it can be worn in a business environment. But of course it can also be worn with a t-shirt and jeans, as well as everything smart casual. The bracelet isn’t too shiny/jewelry like, but it’s also refined enough to be dressed up. And the quick release springbars mean swapping out the bracelet for a strap will be a breeze. Go a bit further and get a pair of aftermarket quick release springbars, and wearing it with NATO straps can also be an easy/convenient option. At that point, it’s a watch that can do just about anything.

Quick release spring bars on the bracelet.
Exhibition caseback.

So the styling and bracelet certainly offer versatility and convenience, but what about comfort? 11.2mm is pretty svelte for a dive style. So it shouldn’t get in the way/fight with shirt cuffs like a chunkier diver would. And while it doesn’t have a push button on-the-fly micro adjust ratchet in the clasp, it does have a quick-release pin style, where you can pinch the ends to move it to the next set of holes:

Squeeze the ends to move it a pinhole.
Not as smooth as a button operated ratchet. But better than having to use a tool.

No that’s not as fancy as a push button, but it’s much better than relying on a tool to push in the spring bar and wiggle it around. One should be able to easily adjust a bracelet like this at a coffee shop, a work desk, or in the back of a cab. That’s not so with traditional clasps.

Aluminum bezel. Textured dial.

In terms of saving a few bucks, that may be a challenge. At post time, it doesn’t look like Shinola is offering a discount for new sign-ups to their email/text notifications. In terms of 3rd party authorized, Huckberry has some of the 9085/two strap gift sets, but they’ll probably be excluded from the one sitewide promo they run annually in the run up to Black Friday. Some smaller independent sellers have their hands on them, but then you don’t get the ease of well-oiled returns if it shows up and you don’t like it. So yeah, in terms of (wait for it) Duck Sales (WOO-OO)… don’t get your hopes up.

We’ll still keep an eye out. Maybe Shinola does something around the holidays? Spend-to-get tiers perhaps?

That’s all.

Carry on.

P.S. Closest alternatives are probably the USA assembled VAER D5 39mm ($729) + on-the-fly bracelet ($199), or the Swiss made Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro ($1320)

P.P.S. Ducks are cool, but turtles are better.