A Timepiece Inspired by the Man Who Defined Rhythm

J Dilla, the pioneering hip hop producer and rapper from Detroit, is Shinola’s next Great American.

On Thursday, May 15 - we honor the genius of J Dilla with a first-of-its-kind tribute, two timepieces crafted in his name.

Watch the teaser video narrated by Big Sean and get a glimpse of what’s to come. Plus, sign up now to receive exclusive updates and be among the first to know when this limited-edition timepiece is unveiled.

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Upcoming Events

J Dilla: Great American Launch Event

Location: Shinola Canfield Store
441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201

Date: Thursday, May 15th

Time: 6 PM – 9 PM ET

Celebrate with us as we launch the next two watches in our Great American Series honoring producer, innovator, and Detroit icon, J Dilla. Be one of the first to see these limited edition timepieces in person.

Enjoy drinks from Mockery Zero Proof, pizza from Michigan and Trumbull, and donuts from Donut Bar Detroit. Capture nostalgic memories in our vintage photo booth while beats play from DJ House Shoes.

Meet the Makers: J Dilla Great American

Location: Shinola Canfield Store
441 W Canfield St, Detroit, MI 48201

Date: Thursday, May 29th

Time: 6 PM – 8 PM ET

Join an intimate panel discussion on the inspiration and design of the J Dilla timepieces with UnGrd Studios and Shinola designers, Greg Verras & Molly Wang.

J Dilla's Hands Made Music. Our Hands Made This.

Every detail of the J Dilla Runwell Chronograph has been thoughtfully crafted to pay tribute to Dilla’s signature, indelible influence on music as we know it—from the Dilla Time inspired tracking to the transparent sub-eye discs. Dark teal fills the hands, and the second hand pops with an orange tip. The stripe indexes and hour and minute hands feature Super-LumiNova.

Limited to 500 pieces, this Runwell Chrono features a cassette tape-inspired window that exposes the transparent chronograph eye discs and movement inside. The multi-layer dial, colored accents and
gold indexes and custom caseback have each been customized with a Dilla Time graphic treatment, reflecting his groundbreaking rhythmic sensibility.
The timepiece is completed with an “8 Bar” embossed navy leather strap with a purple lining.

Every detail of this J Dilla Runwell Automatic has been thoughtfully crafted to pay tribute to Dilla’s signature influence on music—from the Dilla Time inspired tracking to the multicolor accents. The dial itself is crafted from sapphire crystal that reveals the skeletonized automatic movement inside. Dark teal fills the hands, and the second hand pops with an orange tip. The stripe indexes and hour and minute hands feature Super-LumiNova

Limited to 150 pieces, this Runwell Automatic features a completely transparent sapphire crystal dial that reveals the custom skeletonized movement inside. The multi-colored accents, indexes, exhibition caseback, and movement itself have each been customized with a Dilla Time graphic treatment, reflecting his groundbreaking rhythmic sensibility. The timepiece is completed with an “8 Bar” embossed navy leather trap with a purple lining.