Mustang 50th Anniversary watch

The release of the Mustang 50-branded premium 46-millimetre Swiss movement wristwatch was announced on April 25.

Shinola is one of only 50 companies 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.

Ford is unveiling several Mustang products over the next few months that feature the Mustang 50 Years logo. Items from Shinola and other manufacturers are available now at http://shopmustangfifty.com, but shipping will not commence until October.

"The beauty of industry is still alive and well in Detroit," said Panis. "We are excited to be a part of a growing movement toward American-made products."

Images: Ford Media