Try our newest merchandise
I’ve had the pleasure of assembly Josh Shapiro, proprietor of the eponymously named J.N. Shapiro Watches, a number of instances. Hailing from Los Angeles, he has a wealth of information about watchmaking historical past, actions, and ending methods. Till now, he has centered on unique and costly watches with costs over $75,000 and wait instances of almost three years. The brand new Infinity Collection Pure marks a change, permitting a small variety of consumers to personal a J.N. Shapiro watch sooner and for much less.
J.N. Shapiro Watches was based in 2018 and has produced a number of fashions. Famously, the model’s Resurgence mannequin is the primary all-American watch since Hamilton closed its Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based watchmaking operations within the late Sixties. Nonetheless, the Resurgence is pricey and unique. Except for the American manufacturing, Josh and his staff focus closely on hand-finishing crafts. He has made vital investments in historic gear, together with rose engines, with a dedication to eschewing trendy CNC processes. As we’ll see immediately, the Infinity Collection Pure makes use of these troublesome methods whereas preserving the ultimate value in relative test.
The J.N. Shapiro Infinity Collection Pure
Shapiro watches have a tendency to present off a classical vibe, however that doesn’t imply that the model ignores present developments. Because of this, the brand new Infinity Collection Pure items are J.N. Shapiro’s smallest and thinnest releases to this point. Two fashions spotlight this introduction, and each use 316L chrome steel instances, a degree we are going to talk about in a second. They’ve a 37mm diameter, a forty five.1mm size, and a slim 8.8mm profile, together with the sapphire crystal. Regardless of the dressy look, every has a useful 50m water resistance score. It’s an indication that these watches are supposed to be worn. Relying on the chosen dial, a black or brown alligator strap with a stainless-steel pin buckle is included.
Extra on the case
For folk who comply with the J.N. Shapiro model carefully, the instances for the Infinity Collection Pure possible come off as fairly plain. Certainly, watches just like the Resurgence boast rose-wheel-created patterns on the midcase. These latest watches are unadorned, which actually helps with the value level, however that doesn’t imply they’re unattractive. A brushed mid-case is sandwiched between a elegant bezel and case again. Curiously, the maker of the instances isn’t divulged within the press materials, however Shapiro mentions that they’re sourced from a fellow Different Horological Alliance (AHA) member. This group was introduced final 12 months at Geneva Watch Days and contains Ming, Fleming, Fears, Massena Lab, and, in fact, J.N. Shapiro.
The dials and arms are the celebs of the present
Shapiro doesn’t conceal the truth that the dial and handset are the first price drivers of the Infinity Collection Pure. Frosted silver or black zirconium variations can be found with polished rose gold or white gold arms, respectively. The model’s signature Infinity Weave guilloché is all finished by hand on classic rose engines. Equally, the circular-brushed hour/minute monitor accommodates a hoop of filet sauté guilloché created utilizing a straight-line engine. The small staff at Shapiro additionally creates the handset in-house and manually polishes it.
A La Joux-Perret caliber underneath the engraved case again
Whereas we’ve grown accustomed to seeing exquisitely completed actions in Shapiro’s watches, the Infinity Collection Pure has an all-steel case again. The comfort prize is an efficient one, although, as a result of the case again is engine-turned and hand-engraved with a fantastic sample and infinity image within the middle. Inside, the watch makes use of the La Joux-Perret F200. It is a manual-winding caliber with a 3Hz (21,600vph) frequency and a 90-hour energy reserve.
Ideas on the Infinity Collection Pure
The brand new Infinity Collection Pure is classically enticing. It has a fantastic dial design in both colorway. Particulars like the emblem on a plate and the varied floor textures are elegant. Plus, as somebody who has examined a Shapiro dial underneath a loupe, I can testify that the workmanship needs to be second to none. The place I struggled with earlier releases, although, was on the wrist. Regardless of reasonable diameters, the case designs didn’t all the time match the form of my wrist. I’ve not tried these new items on but, however the dimension and form are possible an enchancment for somebody with a smaller forearm.
Reasonably priced however nonetheless dear
At US$26,000 (excluding taxes and duties), the J.N. Shapiro Infinity Collection Pure represents a departure from the model’s regular pricing degree. Simply 18 items of every will likely be made, with deliveries slated for the fourth quarter of 2025. The worth could also be extra inexpensive, nevertheless it’s nonetheless costly. Additionally, using a third-party motion will possible elicit considerations from some. Basically, this watch’s price comes all the way down to the hand-finishing of the dial, arms, and case again. It additionally pertains to the model’s location and heavy funding in gear during the last a number of years. Sure, different small manufacturers, like Garrick, supply comparable temptations at decrease costs. Assessing comparative worth amongst watches like that is troublesome, and consumers’ choices possible embrace every part from design and relationship with the maker to the story behind the watch. Regardless, I’m certain that 36 folks will take pleasure in proudly owning a watch from the Shapiro workshops.
