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This Striking American-Built Racing Watch Offers TAG Heuer Monaco Vibes for Much Less

Uniquely optimized for a different kind of race, it presents one compelling combination of aesthetics and price.

Close-up of a black square watch face with orange and blue accents and two black push buttons on a bright blue background.Shinola
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Introduced in 1969 and immortalized by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, the TAG Heuer Monaco endures to this day as an iconic motorsports chronograph.

If you relish the revolutionary square case but balk at the price tag, a Detroit-based brand just launched a compelling alternative.

Square black Shinola Yacht Timer watch with orange and blue accents on a black mesh strap, resting on orange rope.
Shinola’s latest timepiece taps into the appeal of the Monaco’s signature square case for less than half the price.
Shinola

Granted, it’s aimed at sailing rather than auto racing, but the aesthetics and (relative) affordability are tough to beat.

Without further ado, meet the new limited-edition Shinola Mackinac Night Race Automatic Chronograph Watch.

Yacht rock

Drawing inspiration from Great Lakes Maritime history, the Mackinac can be described as everything from a regatta timer to a yachting chronograph to a sailing watch.

However, you choose to characterize it, there’s no question it’s a unique automatic chronograph, especially with the Night Race treatment.

Close-up of a Shinola Yacht Timer Automatic watch face with black dial, orange and blue hands, and date window showing number 1.
The construction and ingredients of the dial ensure that no two units are exactly alike.
Shinola

One distinguishing characteristic is the subdial, a yacht timer for the countdown at the start of a sailing race. 

Another is the black-and-orange forged carbon fiber dial, which is formed under extreme heat and pressure, with a byproduct being that no two of the 500 units are alike.

Close-up of a black Shinola Yacht Timer Automatic watch with orange and blue subdial hands and water droplets on the face.
With a depth rating of 10 ATM (100 meters of water resistance), the watch can take a dipping and keep on ticking.
Shinola

Wrestling with how to describe the outer edges, I have settled upon “1970s sedan dashboard.” Discuss amongst yourselves.

The dial itself features applied brushed gunmetal indexes with old radium lum, keeping the time visible long after the sun sets.

Black square watch with visible mechanical movement and black textured strap on red fabric background.
The automatic SW511 movement is beautifully displayed by the full exhibition caseback.
Shinola

Accents include the date aperture, orange seconds hand and yacht timer, which add a distinct visual pop.

The whole package is wrapped in a squared sandblast PVD black case that echoes the Monaco’s signature shape.

Black Shinola Yacht Timer watch with square face, orange accents, and black mesh strap hanging on a metal hook with water droplets.
The PVD black mesh bracelet is a fitting and easy-to-adjust complement to the watch itself.
Shinola

Meanwhile, the reliable SW511.bhc Elaboré Grade Automatic movement is proudly showcased via a full exhibition caseback.

Finally, a matching quick-release PVD black mesh bracelet with a micro-adjust buckle ensures the perfect fit, whether you’re captaining a racing yacht or simply turning heads at your local coffee shop.

Availability and pricing

Limited to 500 pieces, the Shinola Mackinac Night Race Automatic Chronograph Watch is available now for $3,995.

Square black Shinola watch with orange and blue accents and a black textured strap.Shinola

Shinola Mackinac Night Race Automatic Chronograph Watch

Specs

Case Size 40mm
Movement SW511.bhc Elaboré Grade Automatic
Water Resistance 100m
About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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