The Cornell Watch Company has unveiled a new model, the Lozier, as part of its efforts to bring American watchmaking back to life. With its roots dating back to 1870, the Cornell brand was originally known for manufacturing high-precision railroad pocket watches in Chicago.
Fast forward to 2023, and the brand is now under the passionate ownership of Chicago natives, John and Chrissy Warren, who have set out to revive the historic American company while keeping much of its production within the United States.
The Cornell Lozier, the brand’s first permanent-collection model, combines classic design with modern craftsmanship. Its components are largely sourced from American manufacturers, including Hour Precision in Columbus, Ohio for machining, and Veblenist in Chicago for the nubuck leather strap. Even the steel used in the case is supplied by Alro Steel in Michigan
. The Lozier’s design, done by Alex Voss Design Studio in California, brings a nod to vintage aesthetics with a contemporary touch, all while embracing the spirit of American manufacturing.
The watch features a brushed stainless steel case with a 37.4mm diameter and 8.5mm thickness, along with a box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. The design’s clean lines and wide-set lugs evoke a sense of classic elegance, reminiscent of early Patek Philippe models. On the back, a solid, brushed stainless steel caseback is devoid of markings, further emphasizing its minimalist style.
One of the standouts of the Lozier is its intricately designed dial. Crafted from German silver, it boasts a three-layer stepped design, each separated by diamond-cut bevels. The frosted finish highlights the material’s natural warmth, giving it an inviting glow. The Roman numeral hour markers, designed by Samuel Baker, draw inspiration from Chicago’s Art Deco architecture. The “Cornell Leaf” hands, made of German silver, add to the dial’s charm with their unique shape and finish.
The Lozier runs on the Sellita Caliber SW300-1 b automatic movement, offering a familiar design but with superior timekeeping precision thanks to its Elaboré grade.
With a 56-hour power reserve, the movement provides solid performance in a sleek, thin profile.
At $6,200, the Lozier is positioned as a more accessible option compared to Cornell’s previous high-end releases. While it’s still a premium offering, it represents a rare opportunity to own a U.S.-made watch at a fraction of the cost of other American-made timepieces, such as those from J.N. Shaprio. Deliveries for the Lozier are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with only 50 units available, it’s sure to be a collector’s item.
For more information, visit the Cornell Watch Company website.