There are watches you buy…
and then there are watches you earn.
My first Shinola watch wasn’t just a timepiece—it was a milestone. As a hired Shinola employee, receiving and wearing the Shinola Derby Mother of Pearl, two-tone gold & silver 38mm watch meant far more than its nearly $900 MSRP. It represented pride, craftsmanship, and being part of something bigger than myself—Detroit manufacturing, legacy, and time well spent.
This is the story behind that watch and why it still matters to me today.
Why the Shinola Derby Was Different for Me
When you work for a brand that’s rooted in your city, your culture, and your community, every product carries meaning. The Derby wasn’t just my first Shinola watch—it was confirmation that my time, effort, and skills mattered.
GrowthBelongingCraftsmanshipAnd respect for the work put in behind the scenesThat feeling is something no hype watch can replace.
Shinola Derby Mother of Pearl 38mm — Watch Details
The Shinola Derby is a perfect example of understated luxury—clean, versatile, and built for everyday wear.
Case Size & Wearability
38mm stainless steel caseIdeal for daily wear, business casual, and dress settingsBalanced proportions that never feel oversized or datedMother of Pearl Dial
The standout feature of this Derby is its Mother of Pearl dial, which:
Reflects light naturally and changes with every angleOffers subtle iridescent tones rather than a flat white finishElevates the watch without being flashyThis dial brings elegance and personality to a simple design.
Two-Tone Gold & Silver Finish
Polished silver stainless steel case and braceletGold-tone accents add warmth and versatilityPairs effortlessly with both gold and silver jewelryIt’s a watch that works with your style, not against it.
Movement & Build
Reliable quartz movement for accuracy and easeScratch-resistant sapphire crystalSolid construction designed for real life—not just displayUnderstanding the Value Beyond the MSRP
With an MSRP close to $900, the Derby isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about investing in quality and story.
What you’re really paying for:
Detroit-based manufacturingAmerican assemblyEthical productionLong-term durabilityA watch built with intentionAs an employee, that value hit deeper. It wasn’t about cost—it was about earned worth.
How This Watch Shaped My Watch Journey
Wearing the Derby changed how I view watches entirely. It pushed me away from hype and toward purpose. It taught me that watches aren’t just accessories—they’re markers of moments in life.
That mindset eventually helped inspire Shabazz Collection:
Watches with meaningEducation over hypeCommunity over cloutEvery piece we curate or create is rooted in that same philosophy.
Is the Shinola Derby a Good First “Real” Watch?
The Shinola Derby is ideal if you’re looking for:
Your first quality timepieceA promotion or milestone watchA versatile everyday luxury watchA piece with story and substanceIt’s timeless, wearable, and emotionally grounded.
Join the Shabazz Collection Family
If this story resonates with you—if you believe watches should mean something—you’re already part of the family.
At Shabazz Collection, we focus on:
Watch educationCurated timepiecesCommunity & legacyTime spent with purposeWhether you’re buying your first watch, learning the craft, or joining our growing community, this is about more than timekeeping.
It’s about time well spent.
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Available now on ENDS The Family Time Podcast
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