New Haven Clock & Watch Co
New Haven, United States · Est. 1853
Founded by Hiram Camp
New Haven Clock & Watch Co was a major American timepiece manufacturer based in New Haven, Connecticut, producing clocks and affordable pocket watches for over a century. Acquired by what became Timex in 1956.
- Founded
- 1853
- Headquarters
- New Haven, United States
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1960
New Haven Clock Company was acquired by the United States Time Corporation (later Timex) in 1956 and the brand was phased out by 1960.
A century of Connecticut clockmaking swallowed by the company that would become Timex — New Haven's factory floor became the birthplace of the dollar watch.
Key Collections
- Tip Top — An affordable dollar watch line that brought timekeeping to the American masses, embodying the company's commitment to accessible pricing.
- New Haven Compensated — A temperature-compensated pocket watch series offering improved accuracy for discerning customers seeking reliability.
- New Haven 16s — A 16-size pocket watch movement that represented the company's standard production for everyday American consumers.
- Jerome — Clock line named after Chauncey Jerome, whose clockmaking legacy influenced New Haven's early development and manufacturing approach.
Timeline
- 1853 — Hiram Camp established the New Haven Clock Company in New Haven, Connecticut, initially focusing on clock production.
- 1880 — The company expanded into pocket watch manufacturing, competing in the growing American watch market.
- 1899 — Introduced the Tip Top dollar watch, making affordable timepieces available to working-class Americans.
- 1917 — Production shifted to support the war effort during World War I, manufacturing military timing instruments.
- 1956 — Acquired by United States Time Corporation (later Timex), marking the end of independent operations.
- 1960 — The New Haven brand was officially discontinued as operations were fully absorbed into the Timex organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions about New Haven Clock & Watch Co
- When did New Haven Clock & Watch Co stop making watches?
- New Haven Clock & Watch Co ceased production around 1960, four years after being acquired by United States Time Corporation (which became Timex). The brand was gradually phased out as operations were consolidated.
- Are New Haven watches still valuable?
- New Haven pocket watches are primarily of interest to collectors of American horology and dollar watches. While not commanding high prices, early examples and the Tip Top series have modest collectible value as artefacts of American industrial history.
- Can I still buy a New Haven watch today?
- New Haven watches can only be purchased on the vintage and antique market through dealers, auctions, and online platforms. The brand has not been revived, though its legacy continues through Timex.
- What happened to New Haven Clock Company?
- The company was acquired by United States Time Corporation in 1956, which later became Timex Group. New Haven's manufacturing facilities and expertise contributed to Timex's growth as America's leading affordable watch producer.
- Were New Haven watches good quality?
- New Haven watches were solidly built for their price point, designed for reliability rather than precision. They served the mass market admirably, offering dependable timekeeping to Americans who could not afford premium Swiss or high-grade American watches.