1776 Atelier Liberty 250
1776 Atelier's Liberty 250 is presented as a significant step for American watchmaking, with the brand claiming over 90% of the watch is made in-house from US-sourced raw materials, including the HP 917 movement. The watch, designed to commemorate the US Bicentennial, highlights the challenges and potential of domestic watch manufacturing.
- More than 90% US-made
- Commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States
The Liberty 250 is claimed to be more than 90% US-made, with the brand manufacturing components like wheels, pinions, balance wheel, main plate, bridges, and screws in-house from raw American-sourced brass and steel.
The HP 917 movement features a free-sprung balance and an elaborate finishing program, including anglage, black polishing, and engraving.
The brand's co-founders, Jason Lu and Zach Smith, emphasize that the watch must stand on its own merits, regardless of its American origin, and not be purchased out of charity.
While the watch has subtle references to American symbolism, the watchmaking techniques employed are based on traditional, globally respected horological practices.
The case of the Liberty 250 is one of the few components sourced from abroad, with the brand aiming to demonstrate that a high level of watchmaking capability can exist in the United States.
