The Wadsworth Watch Case Co
The Wadsworth Watch Case Co., Newport, KY, came into existence in 1892, a descendant of H.A. Wadsworth & Co. It remained in business for 61years, until purchased by the Elgin National Watch Co. in 1953.
Wadsworth Watch Case Co.: A Brief History
Information about the Wadsworth Watch Case Co. can be found in the book, “History of the American Watch Case,” Warren H. Niebling. Harry Arthur Wadsworth, at the age of 26, had moved from New York City to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1886, going to work at the watch case firm Duhme & Co. Prior to 1889, he moved across the Ohio River to Newport, KY and worked at the Dueber Watch Case Manufacturing Co. Harry then became a partner with J.H. Stegman and they formed the case making firm of H.A. Wadsworth & Co. in 1889, also in Newport. Three years later, the company became incorporated as The Wadsworth Watch Case Co.
In early 1893, Wadsworth purchased land for a new factory at Washington avenue and King St. The 3-story building was erected. Within five years, that space was outgrown and a new wing was added. By the end of that year (1898), the factory was closed for two weeks while repairs and renovations were made and new machinery was installed. Still growing, and needing more space as business increased, in early 1900 the plant was moved to a larger, existing set of buildings in Dayton, KY, several miles from its former Newport location.
At the same time, the nature of the company’s sales began to change. Prior to the turn of the century, Wadsworth sold only to wholesalers, but after the move to Dayton, they began to sell directly to movement manufacturers. Known for making high grade solid gold and gold-filled cases, Wadsworth was absorbed by the Elgin National Watch Co. in 1953. The change of ownership didn’t help hold off the loss of sales to foreign imports and the watch case factory closed in 1958.
Retrieved from: https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/wadsworth-watch-case-co.50932/ on 6/30/2021.
This is a great article and website about a very important manufacturing business in the Cincinnati tri-state area. I love seeing and sharing any and all information about the Wadsworth Case Company and the people who worked there. If you post pictures here or share stories of the people who work there I love hearing about the Cincinnati area Maker history.
Thank you!
I have a Wadsworth case housing an Elgin movement. I have tracked the movement to approx. 1924. The case has a different serial numbe, (#6656989) is shows 14 caret gold filled, but looks silver. has a hinged back. Can you help me narrow down year of manufacture or any other data specific to this watch. The serial number of the movement is 26307376. Any information would be appreciated. Thank You in advance.
I have a old Wadsworth Tavannes wrist watch. Can’t find any info on it Tavannes is stamted in fancy letters 10k gold filed Serial # T 214812
My father, Lawrence W. Sparks was office manager of Wadsworth in New York City from ? until it was sold in 1953. He was a member of the 24 Carat Club, which was limited to 200 members. Dealing in jewelry, 199 of the members were Jews, and #200, my father, was not. I learned tolerance from him.
Hello. I have a Griffiths Wadsworth Manchester silver pocket watch, engraved with RAF, name and service number. The person served in WW2. Could anyone help with information on this watch? I would have thought wrist watches were used during that time? The service number is a genuine one;I checked on forces UK site.
Thanks in advance.
Wendy.
During WWII did they make parts for the Norton Bomb Sight?
My dad was Chief Chemist and Metallurgist during the war. One day he was called to Ken Stegman’s office and guys he thought were the feds came in and asked if he could do a precision gold plating job on some small ball bearings. Years later he told my brother he had learned it was part of the Manhattan Project. That’s a family story and I can’t validate it but it is cool if true
I have my grandfathers pocket watch, he died in 1935. the face says Gruen Semi-Thin. Inside also says Wadswort 14 K Gold 3030784 two position 15 jewels 31157 switzerland. looking for info what is it worth??? if anything
We have a Wadsworth Pocket Watch which was presented to my wife’s father in 1921, it is signed on the back the reason for the presentation. Arthur is long deceased now (RIP), he died in 12/31 1991, at that time he was 93. The watch is still working, except for the missing the hour hand and the face is been played with by children.
Have the watch serviced, it has some great personal meaning for the family as a keepsake from your wife’s father.