Review: The Shinola Mackinac
Shinola's second limited edition Mackinac yacht timer keeps the playful aesthetic but with a cooler colorway
In 2022, Shinola released its first edition of the Shinola Mackinac Yacht-Timer. (Pronounced “Mackinaw,” I, as someone not native to Michigan, learned only after using a hard “c” at the end for months.) The watch represents something of a turning point for Shinola, as it began to shed its reputation as a fashion-watch brand with the sort of fun designs and serious specs that appeal to the watch enthusiast community. The Mackinac initially seemed to be a one-off, with a limited run of 250 watches. But the Mack is back, with a new color scheme and new bracelet in a larger LE run with 500 watches made.
The original Mackinac was a burst of color, with a bright-orange rubber strap and dial, and red and blue highlights. The new Mackinac still has fun with colors, but has a much cooler appearance—temperature-wise, that is. The blue that was previously found in the Mackinac’s 15-minute subdial now serves as the primary shade for the watch. A steel mesh bracelet completes the piece, reinforcing the watch’s subdued, but visually interesting aesthetic.
Both versions of the Mackinac are some of the most eye-catching watches out there, and while wearing them I fielded more questions and compliments about the watches than I have about any other piece.
Aside from the colors and bracelet, this is still very much the same watch, using the same movement and 40mm case as the original release. Inside is a Sellita SW511.bhc automatic chronograph movement that Shinola has done a beautiful job of dressing up. It can be viewed through an exhibition caseback that also features engraved details about the watch along with its limited edition numbering.
But the biggest frustration expressed by many back in 2022 remains: at 15.2mm thick this is a big watch. Watches with complications are necessarily going to take up more space than a comparably simpler hour, minute, second movement, and it should be noted that some models of the Tag Heuer Monaco, the most famous square-cased watch, are produced at the same thickness. So while the Mackinac is noticeably thick, it is neither unprecedented nor necessarily a sign of low quality. You can get used to it, but it is something to be aware of for potential buyers with slimmer wrists.
At $3,650, the Shinola Mackinac is $150 more expensive than its predecessor and the most expensive watch in Shinola’s lineup. It would be nice to see that price come down, but Shinola does everything it can to try to justify the price point, with a mirror-polished stainless steel case, sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback, and 100 meters of water resistance.
The new Shinola Mackinac is available to purchase in stores and at SHINOLA.COM.
More shots of the watch: