August 12th 2024
Detroit’s Role in the Space Race and the Shinola Mooncraft Monster: Apollo 11 Edition
Detroit is often celebrated for its iconic automobile manufacturing industry, but its contributions to space exploration are less well-known. The city’s “Detroit Three” — General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler — played pivotal roles in advancing space technology, a legacy that Shinola highlights with the release of the Mooncraft Monster: Apollo 11 Edition. This limited-edition timepiece not only honors Detroit’s impact on the space race but also introduces Shinola’s first manual wind chronograph.
The Detroit Three’s Contributions to Space Exploration
How did America’s largest automobile manufacturers contribute to space travel? Chrysler’s aerospace division was instrumental in developing rockets that launched Apollo shuttles into space. General Motors designed the Lunar Rover vehicle, enabling astronauts to navigate the Moon’s surface. Meanwhile, Philco-Ford, a subsidiary of Ford, crafted the mission control consoles used during these historic missions. This rich history of innovation in Detroit’s automotive industry directly ties into the inspiration behind Shinola’s latest creation.
Shinola’s Dedication to Detroit’s Legacy
Founded in 2011, Shinola has been committed to revitalizing Detroit, creating manufacturing jobs and celebrating the city’s heritage through its products. The Mooncraft Monster: Apollo 11 Edition continues this tradition by paying tribute to Detroit’s contributions to space exploration.
Design and Specifications of the Mooncraft Monster: Apollo 11 Edition
The Mooncraft, aptly named after the Lunar Rover, features a 43mm case made of brushed titanium, a material chosen for its lightweight and durable properties. The case is complemented by a matching three-link titanium bracelet with a deployant clasp, adorned with Shinola’s lightning bolt logo. The watch includes a push-down crown, 100 meters of water resistance, and an exhibition-style case back revealing the custom Sellita SW510 M movement with a 58-hour power reserve.
A Vintage-Inspired Aesthetic
Shinola’s Mooncraft Monster Chrono combines modern materials with vintage-inspired design elements. The unidirectional bezel with a blue aluminum insert is thinner compared to other models in the Monster collection, and the dial features a sandblasted sunray texture with recessed sub-dials. The red, white, and blue color scheme, along with details like the retro font for “mechanical” at 6 o’clock and mushroom-shaped pushers, nods to the Apollo mission’s patriotic spirit.
Limited Edition Release
The Shinola Mooncraft Monster Chrono is a limited-edition release, with only 500 pieces available. Priced at $3,995 USD, the watch comes in special packaging that underscores Detroit’s Apollo heritage. Launched on July 16th, the Mooncraft is now available for purchase online, offering collectors a piece of Detroit’s storied connection to space exploration.