J.N. Shapiro Unveils 'Radiant' Chronographs, Blending Aerospace Materials with Exquisite Craftsmanship

J.N. Shapiro has launched two new additions to their Infinity Series, the 'Radiant' chronographs, almost ten months after their initial monopusher chronograph release. These new timepieces elevate the brand's offering by incorporating innovative materials and sophisticated design elements, maintaining the core movement but refining the overall aesthetic and construction.

Introducing J.N. Shapiro's 'Radiant' Chronographs: A Fusion of Aerospace and Horology

In a groundbreaking move, J.N. Shapiro, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, has unveiled two striking new monopusher chronographs within its 'Infinity Series' collection. The announcement, made on June 16, 2026, marks a significant evolution for the brand, introducing the 'Radiant' chronographs that expertly blend high-tech aerospace materials with traditional watchmaking artistry.

These two exquisite timepieces are housed in 38mm tantalum cases, measuring 9.6mm in thickness (8.2mm without the crystal). Tantalum, a material notoriously difficult to machine but celebrated for its density and dark grey hue, imparts a substantial and commanding presence on the wrist. Josh Shapiro, the visionary behind the brand, explains that the material choice is a deliberate homage to Southern California's thriving aerospace sector, where his workshop is nestled among industry giants like SpaceX and Northrop. This connection is further emphasized by the inclusion of zirconium and meteorite in the watch's construction, reflecting a 'space-age' inspiration.

The 'Radiant' chronographs are available in two distinct dial variants. The first, a direct nod to its aerospace muse, features a captivating meteorite dial complemented by a blued zirconium chapter ring and matching blued hands. This dial is intricately engraved with hour markers and Arabic numerals at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions, alongside a minute track, though it foregoes a specific chronograph scale. The subsidiary dial boasts Shapiro’s signature guilloché pattern, a testament to the brand's artisanal roots.

The second variant presents a more classic Shapiro aesthetic: a full guilloché blued zirconium dial and chapter ring, accented by polished steel hands. This iteration highlights the brand's mastery of guillochage, a technique that originally propelled Shapiro to prominence. The vibrant blue dial provides a stunning contrast to the polished steel hands, demonstrating an unconventional yet harmonious material pairing.

Both models are powered by the manually wound La Joux-Perret 5000-4 monopusher movement, offering a 38-hour power reserve and operating at a frequency of 4Hz. The movement features Shapiro’s distinct guilloché logo on its bridge. While this movement, famously used in timepieces like the Cartier Tortue Monopoussoir, is highly regarded, its smaller size relative to the watch case may be a point of consideration for those who prioritize case-to-movement ratio.

A noteworthy aspect of these new releases is the collaboration with the Alternative Horological Alliance (AHA), which includes brands like Ming and Fleming. This partnership has led to the development of a universal 20mm tantalum bracelet, designed with curved springbar holes to fit a range of AHA watches. This optional bracelet, available for an additional $12,950, offers a cohesive and luxurious pairing, particularly for owners of other tantalum or blue-dialed timepieces within the alliance.

The J.N. Shapiro Infinity Series 'Radiant' chronographs are a limited-edition offering, with a first run of 75 pieces across both dial variants. Each watch is priced at $35,900, requiring a 50% deposit upon order, with deliveries slated to commence in Q2 2026.

The introduction of the 'Radiant' chronographs showcases J.N. Shapiro's dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking through innovative material use and meticulous craftsmanship. These watches represent a captivating blend of California's aerospace heritage and the enduring art of horology, offering collectors unique and highly sought-after timepieces.