When John and Chrissy Warren resurrected the Cornell Watch Co. in 2023, it was a leap of faith into the deep waters of American horology. Their mission? To rekindle the flame of luxury watchmaking on home soil. Fast forward to today, and their gamble has paid off. The first 15 meticulously crafted timepieces, the 1870 Classic Enamel, sold out faster than a New York minute. But the Warrens aren’t stopping there. They’re scaling up, partnering with Hour Precision, a micro-machining maestro, to bring American-made watches to the masses.
The initial allure of Cornell’s relaunch was its collaboration with Roland Murphy, a luminary in American watchmaking. His hand-finished masterpieces, produced under the banner of RGM Watch Co., are the horological equivalent of a Stradivarius violin—rare, exquisite, and painstakingly crafted. But this level of artistry comes at a cost: limited production. Enter Zach Smith, the brains behind Hour Precision. With a background in crafting minuscule components for aerospace and medical industries, Smith is the perfect partner to help Cornell transition from boutique to broader horizons.
The partnership with Hour Precision isn’t just about quantity; it’s about redefining what “Made in America” means in the watch world. While the 1870 CE will continue to be a limited-edition gem, the new models produced by Hour Precision will roll out in the hundreds. These watches will be thinner, more affordable, and inspired by mid-century design—think Patek Philippe’s Reference 96 meets classic American elegance. Roman numerals will remain, a subtle nod to Cornell’s pocket watch heritage.
The Warrens have a grander vision: watches entirely made in the USA. Currently, the 1870 CE boasts an American case, strap, and enamel dial, but its movement is Swiss-made. With Hour Precision’s expertise, Cornell is inching closer to creating a fully domestic movement—a miniaturized version of their historic pocket watch calibers. It’s a costly endeavor, but one that could redefine American watchmaking.
The first of the new line is set to debut in the coming months, with two more models already in the pipeline. Unlike the lottery system used for the 1870 CE, these watches will have an open order window, ensuring enthusiasts don’t miss out. As John Warren puts it, “American customers are rooting for our success, but they demand quality.” And with this bold new chapter, Cornell Watch Co. is poised to deliver just that.
