Interesting Article On The American Watch Industry.

A Fellow Swiss Monster & Reader asked me to share the article below. He is currently in the process of making a documentary on "The Radium Girls". This documentary will serve as a fantastic homage and reminder of the golden age of the watch industry.

If you can donate, his contact information is below.

"Does anybody really know what time it is? (Chicago)

"What really happened to the Watch Industry in America? Where is there any preservation of this Industry other than collections. Why can't watch and clock organizations such as NAWCC lobby for Historical protection of this once huge and dynamic Industry in America? Did the quartz movement really drive these companies to drink? Or did we simply give up? The only thing remaining at Elgin, IL. is a small museum and a horribly ugly strip mall where the largest in the world Watch Manufacturer once stood. Gruen burned down, American Waltham long gone and Bulova 5th Ave is made a long way from NYC. Westclox was not known for its fine quality timepieces but rather their dollar watch mentality of everyone can afford a Big Ben, Pocket Ben or Wrist Ben. They worked and lasted for many years. Everyone has one of these alarm clocks, everyone!

So this site sat vacant for three decades in every attempt to sell office space and some kids come along and burn down a huge piece of Industrial America! Where the hell is the Historical Society or where are the Powers in Chicago that could of saved these buildings? Nowhere is the answer and now its gone. We walk around now with Japanese Quartz and ETA or Swiss Quartz and a occasional Swiss Mechanical Movement but mostly cheap China made Watches that when the batteries give out we throw in the trash.

-America's call for Historical preservation is a call to save ourselves from the ultimate doom of cheap labor and low quality products.

I wear my (James Dean) Black Dial "Wrist Ben" proudly and when anyone asks; "What is that old watch you are wearing? I tell them simply... its part of America's past when we really cared about what we produced!

I'm a Filmmaker and currently searching for funding for "The Radium Girls - Glowing in the Dark" a Feature Documentary Film

If you can help in any way, please do.

I'm also a avid collector and restorer of fine Vintage Timepieces.

Thanks for sharing the story on Westclox very much.

John Vizzusi, Filmmaker
Sights & Sounds Films
Apopka, Florida USA

Copyright CSPS - MEDIA 2012 Reprint is allowed!