Long overshadowed by Swiss and Japanese heavyweights, American watchmaking is experiencing a quiet but compelling revival. From heritage brands breathing new life into historic designs to indie makers crafting bold, modern pieces, the U.S. scene is more vibrant than it has been in decades. This selection isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about momentum, identity, and the return of watchmaking with a distinct American voice.
RGM: American Haute Horlogerie in Pennsylvania
Founded in 1992 by Roland G. Murphy, RGM stands apart as one of the rare American brands producing in-house mechanical movements on U.S. soil. Based in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, RGM blends traditional craftsmanship with a deep appreciation for classical Swiss and American watchmaking traditions. Guilloché dials cut on antique rose engines, hand-finished movements, and bespoke pieces define the brand’s output. With prices ranging from $3,000 to over $100,000, RGM positions itself at the intersection of collectibility and true horological artistry. It’s the go-to name if you’re seeking the soul of pre-war American watchmaking in a modern context.
Weiss Watch Company: California-Born, Mechanically Driven
Weiss is among the few U.S. brands committed to bringing production back to America, not just design. Founded by Cameron Weiss in Los Angeles and now based in Tennessee, the company assembles watches by hand and even machines movement components in-house. The designs are clean, functional, and grounded in field watch tradition, often powered by manually wound calibres. With watches starting around $1,500, Weiss offers an authentic experience for enthusiasts drawn to purpose-built, American-made timepieces. It’s a brand for those who value mechanics, restraint, and a return to roots.
Autodromo: Racing Spirit Meets Modern Design
For lovers of automotive history and mid-century aesthetics, Autodromo stands out. Designed in Brooklyn by industrial designer Bradley Price, the brand fuses Italian racing heritage with minimalist, vintage-inspired styling. While the watches are assembled in Asia and often powered by Miyota or Swiss quartz movements, the design DNA is unmistakably original. Priced between $500 and $1,500, Autodromo isn’t about mechanical prestige but about evoking a lifestyle, a mood, a moment. It’s a perfect choice for design-conscious collectors who want their watch to say something—without shouting.
Vortic Watch Co.: Turning Pocket Watches into Wrist Icons
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Vortic has carved out a unique niche: restoring antique American pocket watches and turning them into custom wristwatches. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind hybrid, preserving early 20th-century railroad-grade movements from brands like Waltham, Elgin, or Hamilton. Encased in 3D-printed titanium or bronze cases and fully rebuilt in the U.S., these watches are a tribute to American horological heritage. Pricing ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, and while the style won’t suit everyone, the concept is one of the most inventive on the market today.
Oak & Oscar: Independent, Enthusiast-Focused, and Chicago-Based
Since its launch in 2015, Oak & Oscar has become a darling of the indie watch scene. Based in Chicago, the brand builds limited-run mechanical watches with clean typography, warm tones, and a focus on usability. Each release tells a story, often tied to architecture, aviation, or local craftsmanship. Powered by Swiss Sellita movements, their watches start around $1,700, and every piece is assembled and tested in the U.S. Oak & Oscar isn’t trying to chase trends—it’s about community, substance, and slow design. And that’s exactly why collectors keep coming back.
A Rising Force Worth Watching
What links these five brands isn’t just geography—it’s a shared belief in craft, storytelling, and independence. From high-end ateliers to accessible microbrands, the American watchmaking scene today is about building something meaningful in a space once dominated by giants. It’s not a renaissance that tries to compete with Switzerland—it’s a new identity, still unfolding.
Whether you’re into design-first pieces, mechanical authenticity, or a slice of American history, this new generation of watchmakers deserves your attention—and maybe even your wrist. In the mean time, check out 5 automatic watches under $500 that watch collectors secretly love !
