Fusion: Every Watch Tells a Story
Hampden Watch Company : 1877-1927
There are many followers, a few leaders, and even fewer mavericks.
Experience the Maverick and join the rebellion against conformity.
Introducing the 1915 Hampden Maverick - a watch that captures the essence of rebellion and noncomformity. With its turned dial emulating a driver's style from the 1920s, this timepiece offers a unique way to read the time and get noticed. Embrace your individuality and make a statement with the Hampden Maverick - a watch that embodies the spirit of the unapologetically different.
Designed for visionaries who seek to push boundaries and aren't afraid to go against the grain to chart their own path in life. You might come across as uncooperative, but that's just because you have your own way of being and march to the beat of your own drum. The Hampden Maverick is a watch that embodies the spirit of the rebel, not for the sake of being defiant, but because it's who you are. This timepiece is perfect for a modern-day maverick who is unafraid to take risks and makes bold decisions, strap one on to channel your inner maverick.
Regardless of your career, the maverick values character above all else.
You will not follow blindly. You are a follower of your instincts.
Hampden's founder, John Deuber, was successful in business because he didn't chase the values or traditional paths of others. Deuber made decisions from the heart. If it didn't feel right, he didn't do it. Unmotivated by societal norms, John was not concerned about the competitor's opinion of him. The Hampden Maverick watch line is inspired by the traits of John Deuber, who was known for his calculated approach to conflict and his ability to assess people and situations accurately.
The Hampden watch celebrates the life of an industrious and determined individual who pursued success with grit and determination. Known for his inflexible and willful nature, Deuber's daily business practices were calculated and driven by a desire for greatness.
Despite managing massive factories and thousands of employees, Deuber remained true to his heart, never letting societal pressures dictate his path.
Learn about the fascinating story of Hampden and its owner, John C. Deuber. Experience the many conflicts and struggles that Deuber faced with his willful and determined tendancies, earning him the reputation of a maverick. Deuber's headstrong business approach led to great success and made Hampden a prominent name in the watch industry.
Origins
:Mozart Watch Co. ,New York Watch Co., and New York Watch Manufacturing Co.
Following the failure of 3 brands, Hampden is born.
1877: Introducing the Hampden Watch Company, established with a commitment to producing high-quality timepieces, renowned for their precision and durability.
Almost from the start, Hampden's watch cases were made by the Deuber Watch Case Company in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In the late 1870s, Hampden's top movements were handpicked by Web Ball, Chief Time Inspector for a vast portion of the U.S railway, to establish country wide time standards.
Despite their partnership, Deuber refused to print the Ball name on his watches, even as most brands allowed Ball to print their name.
1883: Deuber Watch Case Co. faced fierce competition from Keystone Watch Case Co. In an effort to gain an advantage, Deuber resorted to underhanded tactics, including spying on Keystone and attempting to poach employees. Unfortunately, these actions landed Deuber in hot water and forced them to pay a hefty sum of $85,000 to Keystone,
1886: John C. Dueber, founder of the Deuber case factory, attempted to gain market control and purchases a controlling interest in Hampden Watch Company.
1888: John Deuber was known for his aggressive and rigid personality. Despite facing boycott from his three main customers, (Elgin, Waltham & Illinois) Deuber's refusal to sign the 'Watch Case Trust'; an agreement that regulated the trade from selling similar products within a geographical area, created significant impact on sales of the Deuber factory.
Deuber refused to be pushed around and, in a bold move, ultimately purchased Hampden outright. Subsequently, both companies are moved to Canton, Ohio.
Hampden set the standard with a 17 jewel movement and ultimately promoted 21 and 23 jewel movements to become the norm.
1890: Hampden is now producing watches entirely in-house, with some of the best watchmakers in the country. Boasting 3000 employees and producing 600 watches a day, Hampden has become a major employer in Canton. Established as a trusted brand, Hampden starts promoting railroad watches to meet the needs of the growing transportation industry.
1895: The courts decide against 'Watch Case Trust' ending the boycot.
Prior to the election of Congressman William Mckinley becoming president of the U.S., as a condition of employment, John Deuber made employees carry banners in parades in support of Mckinley for president. An act of manipulation that would not be tolerated today.
1907: John Deuber, age 66, dies suddenly due to heart failure, leaving son Albert leading both factories.
Deuber, a prominent citizen credited for significant growth of the U.S., Deuber's leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to overseeing all key aspects of business.
Deuber, known for his high expectations, willfulness and drive, also rewarded hard work and celebrated his employees. Deuber expected all staff to wear suits and dresses when at work.
1923: Hampden suffers financially from resisiting the less costly Swiss import movements. Albert, with traits of his father, remained headstrong, even though the industry was mostly using Swiss import movements.
1925: The company experiences a financial crisis after 48 years in operation, forcing Hampden to liquidate. The brands were sold to a group of Cleveland businessmen and financed by real estate broker Walter Vretman. Vretman, with no experience in the trade, saw the Dueber-Hampden brand decline with production ceasing in 1927. Approximately 80,000 additional watches were produced. During its two year financial decline, Hampden employees were given watches in lieu of pay, as well, watches were given to banks as collateral for loans.
1930: The two factories are purchased from receivership by Amtorg Trading Corporation with the intention of moving operations to Moscow, Russia, to teach the art of watchmaking. The massive factory liquidation included 21 skilled Hampden staff, along with 28 boxcars of supplies shipped overseas.
1931: Introducing the birth of Soviet watchmaking with the opening of 'First State Watch Factory' in the Soviet Union