I’ve had the pleasure of assembly Josh Shapiro, proprietor of the eponymously named J.N. Shapiro Watches, a number of occasions. Hailing from Los Angeles, he has a wealth of information about watchmaking historical past, actions, and ending strategies. Till now, he has targeted on unique and costly watches with costs over $75,000 and wait occasions of practically three years. The brand new Infinity Sequence 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. Nevertheless, the Resurgence is pricey and unique. Other than the American manufacturing, Josh and his group focus closely on hand-finishing crafts. He has made important investments in historic tools, together with rose engines, with a dedication to eschewing trendy CNC processes. As we’ll see right this moment, the Infinity Sequence Pure makes use of these troublesome strategies whereas holding the ultimate worth in relative examine.
The J.N. Shapiro Infinity Sequence Pure
Shapiro watches have a tendency to provide off a classical vibe, however that doesn’t imply that the model ignores present traits. In consequence, the brand new Infinity Sequence Pure items are J.N. Shapiro’s smallest and thinnest releases to this point. Two fashions spotlight this introduction, and each use 316L stainless-steel circumstances, a degree we are going to focus on 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 helpful 50m water resistance ranking. 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 people who comply with the J.N. Shapiro model intently, the circumstances for the Infinity Sequence Pure seemingly 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 definitely helps with the worth level, however that doesn’t imply they’re unattractive. A brushed mid-case is sandwiched between a sophisticated bezel and case again. Apparently, the maker of the circumstances isn’t divulged within the press materials, however Shapiro mentions that they’re sourced from a fellow Various Horological Alliance (AHA) member. This group was introduced final 12 months at Geneva Watch Days and consists of Ming, Fleming, Fears, Massena Lab, and, after all, J.N. Shapiro.
The dials and palms 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 Sequence Pure. Frosted silver or black zirconium variations can be found with polished rose gold or white gold palms, respectively. The model’s signature Infinity Weave guilloché is all carried out by hand on classic rose engines. Equally, the circular-brushed hour/minute observe comprises a hoop of filet sauté guilloché created utilizing a straight-line engine. The small group at Shapiro additionally creates the handset in-house and manually polishes it.
A La Joux-Perret caliber below the engraved case again
Whereas we’ve grown accustomed to seeing exquisitely completed actions in Shapiro’s watches, the Infinity Sequence 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 an exquisite sample and infinity image within the heart. Inside, the watch makes use of the La Joux-Perret F200. This can be a manual-winding caliber with a 3Hz (21,600vph) frequency and a 90-hour energy reserve.
Ideas on the Infinity Sequence Pure
The brand new Infinity Sequence Pure is classically enticing. It has an exquisite dial design in both colorway. Particulars like the brand on a plate and the varied floor textures are stylish. Plus, as somebody who has examined a Shapiro dial below a loupe, I can testify that the workmanship must 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 at all times match the form of my wrist. I’ve not tried these new items on but, however the dimension and form are seemingly an enchancment for somebody with a smaller forearm.
Inexpensive however nonetheless expensive
At US$26,000 (excluding taxes and duties), the J.N. Shapiro Infinity Sequence Pure represents a departure from the model’s regular pricing degree. Simply 18 items of every will probably be made, with deliveries slated for the fourth quarter of 2025. The value could also be extra inexpensive, but it surely’s nonetheless costly. Additionally, the usage of a third-party motion will seemingly elicit considerations from some. Basically, this watch’s price comes all the way down to the hand-finishing of the dial, palms, and case again. It additionally pertains to the model’s location and heavy funding in tools over the past a number of years. Sure, different small manufacturers, like Garrick, provide related temptations at decrease costs. Assessing comparative worth amongst watches like that is troublesome, and consumers’ choices seemingly embody the whole lot from design and relationship with the maker to the story behind the watch. Regardless, I’m certain that 36 folks will get pleasure from proudly owning a watch from the Shapiro workshops.
