When we began working with our new timing partner, Jack Mason, we knew we wanted to create something that felt bigger than traditional event signage for our events. We wanted to collaborate on a custom piece that could become part of the experience at our National Championships.
In bike racing, the race clock is one of the few things every rider, fan, official, and photographer is constantly watching for. It becomes part of the story of the event. That sparked the idea: what if we could turn the race clock itself into a Jack Mason timepiece?
From there, the project took on a life of its own. Inspired by some of the most iconic races in the world, we explored a wide range of concepts before settling on a direction that blended functional timing technology, and the craftsmanship of a premium U.S. based watch brand.
Once the vision was clear, the next step was finding the right fabrication partner to bring it to life. We needed a team capable of building something that could withstand high speeds, harsh weather, and the demands of a race weekend while still looking like a true showpiece. During that search, one company immediately stood out: Shield Co..
"The goal was simple: create something fans would notice and racers could use. To make that happen, we knew it had to be built the right way," said Katherine Santos, Director of Marketing at USA Cycling.
Shield Co. is based in Maryland, and when we came across their story online we felt like they were the perfect fit. Owners Neil and Luke Markey grew up in a home where nearly everything was made by hand. Their mother worked with fabric, designing and sewing pieces that filled their home, while their father worked with metal, creating everything from custom homemade projects to large-scale public art installations, including the front gates at the Statue of Liberty.
From an early age, they spent years watching, learning, and refining their craft. That foundation shaped the way they run their company, building products designed to last. They were the perfect fit!
The team considered every detail throughout the build process. How would the watch stay secure on the car? Could it handle wind resistance at 40+ MPH? Would it remain reliable in real race conditions?
The final design features a frame measuring roughly 45" by 20", tapering to approximately 5" deep at an 11-degree angle. Openings throughout the body allow wind to pass through the structure, helping reduce drag and pressure at speed. Clock faces are mounted on both the front and back, and even with those considerations, the load on the structure can exceed 400 pounds at high speeds.
Every component is handcrafted from 3D-milled aluminum and assembled entirely by hand. Beneath the watch face, a precision timer aligns with the race clock at the finish line truss, while the face itself mirrors one of Jack Mason’s signature watches. Mounted to the timing car using a SeaSucker rack system, the watch will be fully visible to riders, fans, and cameras. It will be there for every major moment throughout the season.
The clock will make its debut at Pro Road Nationals this summer. When you spot it, be sure to take a picture and tag us and Jack Mason.
