The J.N. Shapiro Infinity Series 'Radiant' Chronograph: A Space-Age Timepiece with a Unique Twist
In the world of horology, where Swiss and Japanese watchmakers often take center stage, it's refreshing to see a brand rooted in the heart of America. J.N. Shapiro, a watchmaker based in California, has recently unveiled its Infinity Series 'Radiant' Chronograph, a timepiece that pays homage to the aerospace industry and showcases the brand's unique craftsmanship.
What makes this watch particularly fascinating is its use of tantalum and zirconium, materials that are not commonly found in watchmaking. Shapiro, who has a workshop located in one of the largest aerospace manufacturing hubs in the world, has tapped into these space-age metals to create a timepiece that is both visually stunning and technically impressive.
The Radiant Chronograph comes in two dial variants, both cased in 38mm-by-9.6mm tantalum cases. The dark grey material, which is famously hard to machine, gives the watch a sense of gravitas and weight on the wrist. The first dial, which is the most direct homage to the Californian aerospace industry, features a meteorite with a blued zirconium chapter ring and blued hands. The chapter ring is engraved with hour markers and Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, plus a minute track, but no specific chronograph scale.
The second dial, which is more traditional in its treatment, features a guilloché-blued zirconium dial and chapter ring with polished steel hands. This dial is the more conventional option, and for most people, it's the one they would typically sign up for when getting a watch from the brand. The steel hands pop off the punchy blue dial, and Shapiro gets extra credit for using such an unconventional material.
The watch is powered by the manually wound, monopusher La Joux-Perret 5000-4 movement, with a 38-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency. This movement is a lot smaller than the watch, so if case size to movement size ratios are important to you, this imbalance might be noticeable. However, the movement is a classic design that has been used in many famous timepieces, including the Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir.
On the wrist, the Radiant Chronograph is a substantial watch for its weight but also has a reasonable presence due to its fair size profile. While the movement could go in a smaller case, this fits a wide variety of wrists. Tantalum is an interesting material and not what I would have expected from Shapiro, but it makes sense in at least one way.
One of the standout features of the watch is the optional AHA tantalum bracelet, which is an additional $12,950. This bracelet is a good investment if you have a Ming in tantalum or a watch with a blue dial from a brand whose name rhymes with Jeff G. Bjørn. The watch is also available with a blue alligator strap, which is included in the price of $35,900.
In my opinion, the J.N. Shapiro Infinity Series 'Radiant' Chronograph is a solid addition to the collection. Shapiro's craftsmanship follows a specific lineage of watchmaking, especially in dial work that reminds you a bit of Roger Smith. While it takes a particular buyer to understand it, I don't think Shapiro ever imagined it as a broad commercial product like that from a high-volume manufacturer. Any feedback is somewhat hard to give; I was looking at a prototype, and I found a few things, like the engraving for the '6' and the evenness of the blued hands, that could use a bit more work. But I think it's a very interesting addition to the Shapiro lineup and an attractive one at that.
In conclusion, the J.N. Shapiro Infinity Series 'Radiant' Chronograph is a unique and impressive timepiece that showcases the brand's craftsmanship and attention to detail. While it may not be for everyone, it's a solid addition to the collection and a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.
