Hampden Watch Company
Canton, United States · Est. 1877
Founded by John C. Dueber, Aaron Dennison
The Hampden Watch Company, originally the Mozart Watch Company, produced pocket watches in Springfield, Massachusetts and later Canton, Ohio. Known for the Dueber-Hampden name after merging with the Dueber Watch Case Company, it produced railroad-grade movements until 1930.
- Founded
- 1877
- Headquarters
- Canton, United States
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1930
After relocating from Massachusetts to Ohio, Hampden struggled through decades of financial difficulty before finally closing during the Great Depression.
Twice uprooted, never settled — Hampden's Dueber cases held fine movements but couldn't hold the company together.
Key Collections
- Dueber Grand — Premium-grade pocket watch movements representing the finest output of the Dueber-Hampden partnership, featuring high jewel counts and superior finishing.
- Railway — Railroad-certified timepieces meeting the stringent accuracy requirements of American railway companies, essential for safe train operations.
- Minuteman — Popular mid-grade pocket watch line offering reliable American-made timekeeping at accessible price points.
- John Hancock — Named after the founding father, this line represented quality American pocket watches for everyday use.
Timeline
- 1877 — Founded as the Mozart Watch Company in Springfield, Massachusetts, initially using machinery from the defunct New York Watch Company.
- 1878 — Renamed to Hampden Watch Company after the county in which Springfield is located.
- 1886 — John C. Dueber acquired controlling interest and merged operations with his Dueber Watch Case Company.
- 1888 — Relocated manufacturing operations to Canton, Ohio, creating the Dueber-Hampden Watch Works in a purpose-built factory.
- 1923 — Entered receivership following prolonged financial difficulties and increased competition from wristwatch manufacturers.
- 1930 — Ceased all operations during the Great Depression, with remaining machinery and parts sold to the Soviet Union.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hampden Watch Company
- When did Hampden Watch Company stop making watches?
- Hampden ceased production in 1930, unable to survive the Great Depression after years of financial struggle. The company's machinery was subsequently sold to the Soviet Union to establish their domestic watch industry.
- Are Hampden watches still valuable?
- Hampden pocket watches, particularly railroad-grade movements and high-grade Dueber Grand models, remain collectible among American horology enthusiasts. Condition, grade, and provenance significantly affect value.
- Can I still buy a Hampden watch today?
- Original Hampden pocket watches are available through antique dealers, auction houses, and specialist horological marketplaces. No new production exists as the company has been defunct since 1930.
- What is the connection between Hampden and Dueber?
- John C. Dueber, a successful watch case manufacturer, acquired Hampden in 1886 and merged it with his Dueber Watch Case Company. The combined entity became known as Dueber-Hampden Watch Works.
- Why did Hampden relocate from Massachusetts to Ohio?
- John Dueber moved operations to Canton, Ohio in 1888 to escape unfavourable labour conditions in Massachusetts and to consolidate watch and case manufacturing under one roof in a modern facility.