Waterbury Clock

Waterbury Clock Company's success was primarily a result of their ability to make clock movements small enough for pocket use, a tradition rooted in the innovation of Connecticut's clockmakers-ranging from mass-produced components to the design of the first shelf clocks to brass movements. There are a number of styles available for Waterbury clocks, including Art Deco, Mission, Victorian Revival, and Art Nouveau. Waterbury almost exclusively displays Roman numerals instead of digits. In 1887, the watchmaker introduced the large Jumbo pocket watch, a piece inspired by P. T. Barnum's elephant. They were best known for their Yankee pocket watch, priced at $1 that became quite popular with the masses. On Bidsquare, you can find the greatest selection of Waterbury Collectible Clocks.

It was during World War I that Waterbury Clock once again demonstrated its leadership in innovation by adapting an Ingersoll Ladies' Midget pocket watch for military use. By adding a canvas strap and luminescent numbers, the company created a new timepiece - the wristwatch - that soldiers could easily read. In no time, the wristwatch became the company's regular product, gaining popularity among the general public as well. In 1932, the Great Depression hit the new company hard, and the business was in financial difficulty. At this time, Walt Disney Studios also encountered financial challenges and was seeking new business opportunities for licensing Mickey Mouse, its cartoon character. Ingersoll Waterbury and Disney teamed up eventually to produce one of America's most iconic watches - the Mickey Mouse wristwatch - which proved to be a huge success and saved the company from bankruptcy. The company also started manufacturing electric clocks in 1932 to keep up with changing technological advances.

Although Mickey Mouse enjoyed considerable success for a while, even the amiable cartoon character could not escape the consequences of World War II. The company was sold to a Norwegian group in 1942, and renamed the United States Time Corporation, which later changed its name to United States Time Corporation, the predecessor to Timex. The company had produced some of the most notable antique wall clocks, mantel clocks, and high-quality watch movements and watches by the time it closed in 1944.

Famous Waterbury Clocks

Antique Waterbury clocks continue to be highly collectible today. The company produced over 600 models, and all of them have high quality, especially the ones in a good condition, despite some becoming more famous than other pieces. Some of their more popular products are Mickey Mouse Watch, Wrigley Regulator, The Waterbury Cat, and Augusta.

Quick Facts about Waterbury Clock

• After Robert H. Ingersoll's one-dollar pocket watch sale of five million pieces, Waterbury's clock industry rivaled the brass industry in importance.
• In 1857, Waterbury Clock Company constructed its buildings on Cherry Avenue.