Only 50 companies will be licensed to create products bearing the Mustang 50 Years logo,
which was designed to celebrate the sports car leading up to its 50th
birthday on April 17, 2014. Shinola is one of the first manufacturers to
help mark this milestone.
“Mustang is one of the greatest icons in American manufacturing
history,” said Jacques Panis, Shinola’s director of strategic
partnerships. “We reached out to Ford because we thought it makes
perfect sense, as we share the same passion for craftsmanship and
domestic manufacturing.”
Bedrock Manufacturing Company purchased the Shinola trademark, first used in 1929 on a wax-based shoe polish, in 2011.
A year ago Shinola moved into a 30,000-square-foot space in the
historic Argonaut building in Midtown Detroit. Handmade watches and
bicycles are now being crafted there. Shinola also offers other
American-made products, including an artisanal leather collection, and
journals created with paper from Michigan’s sustainable forests. In June
Shinola will open a retail space.
Shinola opened its online shop in March 2013 debuting a
limited-edition watch – the Runwell. It was an instant hit – much like
the Mustang, which exceeded expectations and was an immediate success in
1964, its first year of production. To date, Ford has produced and sold
more than 8.5 million Mustangs.
“Like the Mustang itself, we
want our licensed products to convey an attitude of strength, passion
and quality,” said John Nens, Ford lead for global brand licensing.
“Shinola embodies all of these things and is a perfect fit to celebrate
this special moment in automotive history.”
The 50-year commemorative wristwatch exemplifies Shinola’s passion
for quality products and uses the finest materials. The quartz timepiece
features Swiss movements, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face and
premium black leather for the band with a screw-down crown. Waterproof
to five atmospheres, the materials and design details are brought to
life by highly skilled craftspeople who bring a special expertise to
executing this premium watch.
The face of the watch features the unique Mustang 50 Years logo.
Courtesy of Ford
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