Released just in time for the 98th annual Bayview Mackinaw freshwater sailing race (which commenced July 16), the Shinola Mackinac Yacht Watch Automatic Chronograph is the Detroit-based watchmaker’s latest automatic chronograph – and first yacht timer.
By engaging the watch’s five-minute countdown subdial, a skipper can time his or her entry into position at the start of any official regatta. As Shinola explains, boats “get up to cruising speed in a stretch of water parallel to the starting line. Using a yacht timer at countdown, a boat crew can precisely cut into position, get the perfect angle, and cross the starting line at the start signal.”
The Shinola Mackinac’s 40mm square steel case frames a bright canary yellow dial with orange and red accents. The yacht timer subdial, with its broad orange hand, stands out for easy viewing at the 3 o’clock position in three-tone blue. 
Shinola fits a customized Sellita automatic movement inside, showing it off via an exhibition case back. The entire case is fit to the wrist with an interchangeable yellow rubber strap. 
The Mackinac Boat Race is one of the longest and most difficult fresh-water races in the world. It starts in the lower waters of Lake Huron where hundreds of boats compete for two hundred nautical miles to the channel just off Mackinac Island.
Price: $3,500.