The Civil War Era

1860s

Over the course of history, armed conflict has often served as a catalyst for adoption of new technology. The onset of the American Civil War in 1861 saw a significant increase in demand for accurate pocket watches that could be used as instruments of war. The Civil War helped to establish emerging watch manufacturers like Waltham and provided a reliable income stream for new start-ups such as the Illinois-based, Elgin Watch Company, founded in 1863.

The Golden Age

1890s

The 1890s marked the beginning of a golden age for American watchmaking, characterized by remarkable technological advancements and a surge of new US manufacturers including Hamilton, which was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892. This era saw the perfection of interchangeable parts and the assembly line production method which revolutionized the industry and set new standards for manufacturing efficiency and quality. By the mid-1890s, Waltham alone was producing more than 500,000 watches per year, making them the largest watchmaker in the world.

The World Leader in Watchmaking

1910s

By the early 20th century, the United States had solidified its position as the world leader in watch production. In addition to being the largest producers, US companies were innovators, introducing features such as improved escapements and more reliable timekeeping mechanisms. The demand for wristwatches surged during and after WWI war, and American companies were well-positioned to meet this new market need. By 1920, American watch manufacturers produced over ten million watches annually, far outpacing their European counterparts.

Losing Ground to Switzerland

1930s

While American watchmakers continued to lead the world in total volume, their reputation at the top of the market began to wane in the 1930s due to the Great Depression and increased competition from Swiss manufacturers like Rolex and Patek Philippe. During this decade American brands like Waltham, Elgin, Hamilton, Bulova, Ingersoll, and Gruen focused on the affordable end of the market - a strategic decision that would prove problematic in the second half of the 20th century.

A Time of War and Change

1940s

The 1940s were a transformative period for the American watch industry, driven by the existential threats of World War II. As the war effort mobilized the nation, American watch manufacturers played a crucial role, shifting their focus from civilian production to military needs. This decade marked both a peak in industrial capability and a profound reshaping of the industry’s landscape. Despite the post-war boom, the 1950s and 1960s brought intense competition from Swiss watchmakers, who dominated the market with their luxury and precision watches. The advent of quartz technology in the late 1960s further challenged American manufacturers, leading to a gradual decline in domestic production.

The End of an Era

1969

In 1969, Hamilton ceased its American production and relocated its operations to Switzerland, marking a significant turning point for the US watch industry. This move foreshadowed the eventual decline of the old-guard manufacturers who had once dominated the global market. Hamilton's departure was indicative of the broader challenges facing American watchmakers, who struggled to compete with the rising dominance of Swiss precision and the advent of quartz technology in Japan. Elgin had already ceased operations in 1968, succumbing to financial difficulties and market pressures.

The Decline of Domestic Production

1980s

Timex, founded as the Waterbury Clock Company in 1854 in Connecticut, was one of the few American watch brands to find success through the second half of the 20th century. In the 1950s they cut cost through manufacturing innovations like the pin-lever escapement. By the 1980s, they cut costs by offshoring their manufacturing and assembly to Asia. At its peak in the late 1970s, Timex had manufacturing facilities in four states and employed thousands of American assembly workers. By the end of the 1980s, the vast majority of these workers had lost their jobs, effectively ending a century long period of American watch production.

A New Era Begins

2010s

The reasons behind the collapse of the American watch industry in the 20th century are complex and multifaceted, but could be summarized as a combination of stagnation, lack of innovation, and a healthy dose of corporate and political apathy. Fortunately, things change quickly in America. By the 2010s a new generation of brands emerged, including Shinola and Vaer who were ready to take up the challenge of restarting domestic watch production.

Vaer Takes the Lead

2020s

While 21st century American watchmaking is still in its nascent stage, Vaer has quickly established itself at the front of the pack in terms of both production volume, quality control and technical innovations. Today, we are the market leader in sub-$500 USA assembled watches, as well as USA solar watches, and USA movement watches.