Famous American Clock Companies

Although clock making began in the Orient and in Europe long before America was ever discovered, the United States has still had its fair share of great clock companies. Although there was a definite lack of clock makers up until the mid 18th century, in the years preceding the Revolutionary War, Thomas Harland, a Connecticut clock maker who had immigrated from England, brought his skills into play in the American Colonies. Harland was responsible for training other men in the art of clock making which created the basis for the American clock industry.

In 1851, the Ansonia Clock Company was started in Ansonia, CT. However, that arrangement didn't work out, so the company was moved to New York City in 1877. By 1886, there were 225 different clock models in the Ansonia line; this was expanded to 440 by 1914. The company specialized in high-end clocks for the wealthy which included statue clocks, swinging clocks, and other types of novelty clocks. They also manufactured more than 10,000,000 watches between 1904 and 1929. Unfortunately, this pioneer in the American time industry ceased operation completely in 1929.

Another early clock manufacturer was the Waterbury Clock Company which was established in 1857. This company produced over 400 different clock models and added pocket watches to their repertoire starting in around 1890. By 1915 it was the largest clockmaker in the U.S. One of it's most famous achievements is to have introduced the Mickey Mouse watch which became an icon in the watch industry. The Great Depression and World War II caused the Waterbury Clock Company to be sold to Norwegian investors.

One name that is synonymous with fine clock making is Seth Thomas. His business began as a partnership in 1810 and ran until 1813 when Thomas decided to go into business on his own. He started a manufacturing plant in Plymouth Hollow, CT where he built tall case clocks that had wooden movements. Apparently Thomas didn't have many inventive skills, because his clocks were slow to evolve. He liked to let other clock makers try new designs and see if they were successful before going into making similar clocks himself. He was, however, a great businessman which is what brought his company into the world market.

Elias Ingraham, who possessed great engineering skills as well as an eye for appealing design, was given 17 patents for his clock case designs and the way they were manufactured. His son, Edward, was also quite innovative and created a method of applying black enamel to clock cases which resulted in the huge number of black mantel clocks produced during the 19th century. The Ingraham company was sold to McGraw-Edison in 1967, and clocks are still being made using the Ingraham trademark.

This article only provided you with a sampling of the great clockmakers that have graced the American stage. Many others, such as Howard Miller, Westclox, New England, and Chauncey Jerome, also made their mark on the clock making industry. In fact, during the heyday of clock production, the era between about the mid 1800s and 1920, there more than 30 clock companies operating in the United States.