About Dueber Watch Company

The Dueber Watch Company holds a unique and fascinating place in the history of American watchmaking, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its story is one of resilience, ambition, and a lasting legacy in horology.

The company’s roots trace back to two separate entities: the Dueber Watch Case Company, established by John C. Dueber in 1864 in Newport, Kentucky; and the Hampden Watch Company, founded in 1877 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

John Dueber, a German immigrant, was a pivotal figure in the American watch industry. He recognized the growing demand for quality watch cases and built a thriving business that would later intertwine with Hampden’s watchmaking prowess.

John Dueber’s name carries great significance in the company’s history. Born in 1841 in Germany, Dueber emigrated to the United States as a young boy, bringing with him a work ethic and determination that would define his career. By his early twenties, he had established himself as a prominent watch case manufacturer, creating durable and elegant designs that quickly gained a reputation for quality. The Dueber name became synonymous with craftsmanship and innovation, setting the stage for his later ventures.

The partnership between the Hampden Watch Company and the Dueber Watch Case Company came about in the early 1880s when Dueber acquired a controlling interest in Hampden. This merger was driven by a strategic need to counteract the monopolistic practices of larger watch companies, which threatened smaller manufacturers by restricting access to key components. By combining watch case production with movement manufacturing, Dueber and Hampden created a vertically integrated enterprise that could operate independently and compete effectively.

In 1888, the combined operation relocated to Canton, Ohio, where it flourished as the Dueber Hampden Watch Company. The move to Canton marked a new chapter, with the construction of a sprawling factory that became a centerpiece of the local economy. The factory employed thousands of skilled workers and produced a wide range of timepieces, from simple pocket watches to high-grade railroad watches, which were essential for ensuring the safety and precision of train schedules during the era.

Dueber Hampden watches were celebrated for their reliability, accuracy, and elegant designs. The company’s commitment to quality earned it a loyal customer base and a respected place among American watchmakers. However, the rise of cheaper imported watches and changing economic conditions in the early 20th century posed significant challenges. Despite these pressures, the company continued to innovate and produce remarkable timepieces until it ceased operations in 1930.

Although the Dueber Hampden Watch Company’s story ended nearly a century ago, its legacy endures. Collectors and enthusiasts today treasure Dueber watches as symbols of a bygone era of American craftsmanship and ingenuity. Building on these roots of American watchmaking, in 2009 Liberty Time LLC founded the Dueber Watch Company, continuing this proud tradition. The Dueber Watch Company offers high-quality pocket watches that reflect the same dedication to excellence and American ownership that defined John C. Dueber’s original vision. Through its commitment to quality and innovation, the Dueber name remains a hallmark of heirloom quality pocket watches.