Program of the NAWCC 2002 Seminar

Boston: Cradle of Industrial Watchmaking

Upon its bankruptcy, in 1857, the Boston Watch Co. was purchased by Royal Robbins and quickly turned into a success. Despite its business failings, the technical and economic basis for the Boston Watch Company's industrial production methods was sound. Moreover, the company had proved that simple industrial technique could produce robust English-style watches with no more labor input than expended by the Swiss on inexpensive bar movements. In addition, those inexpensive imports suffered such variable quality that importers were stranded with drawers full of new stock that would not even run. The inexpensive watch market was perilous for businessmen and consumers alike, presenting a tremendous opportunity.

Watches are simply little machines, which are generally best made by other machinery. With technical success on its first try, industrial watch making offered a reliable product that rapidly built a credible image for newly created American watches. Early industrial methods were simple by later standards, and at $40 or more retail price (over a man-month's wages), their product was still an exclusive possession. Increased efficiency and lower prices, brought by more sophisticated machines and automation, required decades to develop. The early American watch industry became the reputable choice before it became the economical choice.

This seminar is dedicated to the Boston origins of the American watch industry. Its purpose is to demonstrate how that industry developed here, grew to prominence, and spread its influence both domestically and abroad.

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