See Now, Buy Now: The Shinola Scout Detrola Is the Best New Watch for the Watch Enthusiast This Season

Beau H.

Nov 23

If you're starting to feel like you're behind in the game a bit when it comes to shopping for the best holiday gifts for men -- especially as something as tricky as the best gift for the watch enthusiast -- allow me to offer up a helpful suggestion from your new favorite watch brand. Or rather, not a new watch brand, but the classic watch purveyors at Detroit-based Shinola, one of the coolest horology brands out there. Of course, Shinola is also a highly reliable spot for all manner of cool gifts for guys, including home goods, desk accessories and everyday carry essentials, but it's the Shinola Scout Detrola that's of particular interest today.

The Shinola brand simply doesn't seem to slow down, whether it's churning out road-ready timepieces like the Shinola Traveler Watch or delivering on the promise of a subtle, stylish yet surprisingly rugged timepiece (that'd be the Shinola Scout Detrola). Now, is it quite a lot to ask to buy a new watch for someone on your list?

Yes indeed, perhaps -- but if you're looking for the one and only, the best gift for the watch enthusiast, and one that's way less expensive than a flagship timepiece like *gulp* a Rolex Submariner, for instance, well, the Shinola Scout Detrola is a sub-$400 winner and one of the best new watches for men.

Of course, the Shinola Scout Detrola is a terrific purchase aside from just price, although the $395 price tag makes the Shinola Scout Detrola a downright steal in the eyes of this Brooklyn style writer. It's a more casual option than stylish Shinola leather watches, hence that lower price tag, with the rugged specs to match. To wit: The Shinola Scout Detrola boasts a lightweight, nicely sized 43mm TR90 resin case, the kind that's durable enough for everyday adventures and outdoor wear.

Beyond that, the case itself is a neat yellow-gold color for some added style points, while the Shinola Scout Detrola also uses old-school red and yellow details for a crisp, retro effect on its black dial. For good measure, the flexible silicone strap is durable, hard-wearing and comfortable.

It's also perfectly casual, whether you wear the Shinola Scout Detrola with the best men's blue jeans, your favorite boots and a shawl cardigan or with tailored joggers and the best men's henley. Options abound with the Shinola Scout Detrola, and any watch lover on your gift list this year would be honored to receive such a cool timepiece -- at least, that's my take. Happy shopping!