1776 Atelier Launches Liberty 250 Limited‑Edition Watch
The Liberty 250 marks 1776 Atelier’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with a limited‑edition 41 mm rose‑gold skeleton watch that showcases a largely American‑made movement. Crafted from raw U.S. brass, steel and other domestic materials, the manually wound calibre 621.1776 is a ground‑up reinterpretation of the classic Unitas 6498, featuring a free‑sprung balance, hand‑finished angles and a 52‑hour power reserve, while the case is produced in Germany and the presentation box uses historic wood from Independence Hall. Although the movement is more than 90 % manufactured in‑house from American components, it does not meet the FTC’s strict “All or Virtually All” criteria for a Made‑in‑USA label. The watch is offered in a limited run of 25 pieces at a price of US $44,000, with a sapphire crystal, 50 m water resistance, an alligator strap, and a box constructed entirely in the United States, highlighting both the ambition and the challenges of reviving American watchmaking.
Buying Time Analysis: The story highlights the significance of 1776 Atelier’s Liberty 250 as a pioneering effort to revive American watchmaking, demonstrating the challenges of domestic production, the push for true “Made in USA” standards, and the cultural value of honoring America’s 250‑year heritage through innovative, largely American‑sourced craftsmanship.
