Los Angeles-based brand JN Shapiro Watches has achieved a somewhat mythical position since Josh Shapiro was founded in 2018. The watch is an elusive and exclusive piece that dents your budget and tests your patience. What if you don’t have USD 75,000 to spend your mental stamina to wait about three years for your watch? Josh Shapiro to the rescue. A pure introduction to the JN Shapiro Infinity series, two watches for a third of the price mentioned above. With only 18 of each, availability can still be an issue, so we can call these watches mythical and elusive. And with delivery scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025, those looking for immediate watch satisfaction should turn their eyesight to something else. However, when both versions of the Infinity Series Pure came to head office for practical reviews, we remained completely focused.
Did you know that the 2021 JN Shapiro Resurgence was the first national clock since Hamilton closed its Pennsylvania production facility in the late 1960s? This was a huge achievement for the LA-based brand. Josh Shapiro, a man with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in US history, founded the brand in 2018, so he and his team of experts focus on hand-earning crafts. They don’t use CNC machines, but instead use historic equipment, including the Rose engine, to create complex clocks. This approach has come with an impressive but expensive and exclusive revival with the Infinity series, the debut collection with a complex, engine-guided dial featuring traditional exotic materials. In his introductory article, Mike revealed how the new Infinity series can maintain a relative check of the final price, while using these complex techniques.
Practice the pure watches of the new JN Shapiro Infinity series
The latest watches in the Infinity Series collection use La Joux-Perret F200 manual take-up calibre rather than internal movement, cutting the price of the original model by half. The movement is hidden behind a hand-carved steel case that has been turned to the engine, so the overall look remains very high-end. The pure watches from the new JN Shapiro Infinity series are not about movement. With a 3Hz (21,600VPH) frequency and a 90-hour power reserve, the Swiss-made manual take-up caliber is “only” for beautiful hands.
If you spend USD 26,000 (excluding taxes and obligations) on a watch, you might want to enjoy a grandly well-finished in-house caliber, but to be honest, you can argue. Some of the most respected brands sell steel watches for the same price. This is a movement that is not so special or valuable through the display case.
People in the market for pure watches in the new Infinity series – those who know – will understand that the prices of these pieces are the result of hand fishing for dials, hands and casebacks, as well as the result of the brand’s geographical location and investment in specialized equipment over the past few years. Buy this watch because of the philosophy behind it, its pedigree and its appearance. And what a look it is?
Only 18 each
Infinity Series Pure comes in two versions, with Jn Shapiro creating only 18 examples each. The new watch is a smaller 37mm version of the previous 40mm Infinity series model. If you’re wondering why the new one features a 37mm case, it’s because its size is perfect for Josh Shapiro. I don’t know the size of Josh’s wrist, but I think he made a good choice after tying it to the watch. Although the diameter of 37mm can feel small, it is the traditional size of a dress watch and its presence cannot be expressed in millimeters. The pure abrasion method of Infinity series is almost paradoxical. Yes, the 8.8mm profile and 45.1mm lagtoo lug are relatively small, but the shape of the case, lugs, bezels, and in particular the detailed dial give both versions of the watch a lot of presence.
Each version captures a pure, classic aesthetic differently. The model, with a blackened zirconium dial and white gold hands and details, is more modern. The brown strap version features a frost silver dial that shows the rose gold elements, and looks more typically traditional.
The signature hand-cut infinity weave guillothi pattern on the inner dial stands out on both watches. This is enhanced by a circular polished steel chapter ring and accentuated by hand-polished carved “pomme” hands. You might think these watches look out of place in sneakers, chinos and white t-shirts. However, the Infinity series Pure proves that classicism is still alive and adapts to casual outfits in a very simple style.
Which one do you choose?
I’d like to know if these watches look like 26,000 US dollar watches. They do so if you try out the creations of Auto Hollogary. They do if you’re down the watchmaking rabbit hole. And if you don’t care if your wrist watches are not immediately told to a financially successful world, they do. Infinity Series Pure is for confident enthusiasts and collectors who want watches from manufacturers that don’t cut corners. Well, JN Shapiro did that a bit using third-party moves, but I think it was also the case with keeping the lights in the workshop. When you buy this watch, you will be adding something to your curate collection that tells the story of a reborn American watchmaking story and allows it to continue.
Doing that won’t disappoint you. The finish of the 316L stainless steel case is fantastic, with the dial and hand on even higher levels. If there is something as subtle and refined as the dials on these two watches, it looks more noticeable than that. You can call it silent charisma. The JN Shapiro Infinity Series Pure is an undeniable software, yet has a strong appeal.
At first, my favorite was the blackened version of the zirconium dial. This was due to the modest presence. But as the day progressed, my taste changed and I was even more fascinated by the version with a frosted silver dial and rose gold detailing. The watch sets boundaries in classic cliches, but somehow it can stay on the good side of it. Its semi-shaped appearance also contrasts very subtlely with casual attire.
The final words of the JN Shapiro Infinity series are pure
JN Shapiro is on a mission to make these creations unusual and elusive, while allowing more people to enjoy American-made auto hollogary. With the pure watches of the 36 Infinity series, this rarely makes a popular watch, so let’s call it a modest mission. On the other hand, the craftsmanship behind the two new watches is not at all modest. On the contrary, it is sensational. If you have the chance, choose one of the pure models of the two Infinity series and touch the hand-carved case, converted to the engine. It starts from your fingertips and sends a warm current straight to your brain, providing a soft sensory sensation that will sit and nourish your love for the watch.
What do you think about the pureness of the Jn Shapiro Infinity series? Do these watches tell you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
