Luman Watson Clock Company History

by: Michael O'Brien

In this age of digital timekeeping, there are many of us who value the simplicity of the analog clock. No other style of clock evokes more nostalgia than the grandfather clock. Also referred to as tall case clocks, grandfather clocks were built by the thousands during the heyday of American clock making. The Luman Watson Clock Company epitomized clock making at its finest during the early 1800’s.

The center of the clock making universe in America had been the East Coast and New England. This was to be expected since this region held the largest concentration of people. Until the early 1800’s, many American clock makers specialized in producing grandfather clocks made entirely of wood. The case, the pendulum, even the movement was made from local hardwoods. These early wood clocks have become highly prized items among collectors and horologists. Even though the tall case or grandfather clocks made since the middle 1800’s have been made using metal parts, the grandfather clock endures.

As people began to migrate west, so did crafts like clock making. A young Luman Watson found himself moving west, taking with him the clock making skills he had acquired in his native Connecticut. Founded in the river city of Cincinnati, Ohio, Luman Watson became known as one of the most prolific clock making companies of the time. It is estimated by some that the company built over 30,000 tall case clocks between the year 1815 and 1835.

As brass and other metals became more available, East Coast clock companies grew and it was not long before these clocks were being shipped West. Combined with a turn in the marketplace away from floor clocks, the Luman Watson Company began to focus on mantle and table styles. Without a doubt, Luman Watson made an indelible mark on the world of clock making and Luman Watson clocks are highly prized by collectors.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is the Staff Writer for GrandFatherClockSale.com.