Seth Thomas Clocks
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The name Seth Thomas is symbolic of
value and excellence of craft, and the variety of sophisticated styles
it has produced since 1813. As the longest established clock maker in
the United States (nearly 200 years), Seth Thomas is recognized
as one of the most respected brands of clocks in the world.
During its early years, Seth Thomas
quickly gained an impeccable reputation for producing the masterfully
crafted grandfather clocks. Soon after, the company was also known for
designing and producing some of the country's most renowned tower
clocks, including the tower clock at Grand Central Station in New
York.
Today, Seth Thomas's reputation
continues to be well earned. Seth's blend of quality and impressive
design has made it the industry's marquee for trend-setting style. The
posh collection of clocks ranges from classic strike and chimes to
unique styles crafted in contemporary metals, colorful resins and aged
finishes. In addition to decorative mantel, wall and table top clocks,
Seth Thomas produces a wide variety of timepieces perfectly suited for
gift giving, the office and travel. It is a name recognized and
trusted by consumers of all age groups and background.
To learn more about the historical
accomplishments and development of the Seth Thomas brand, read below:
Seth Thomas Mantle Clock Historic Timeline
1785
Seth Thomas was born in Wolcott, CT.
1807
Seth Thomas became an apprentice to Eli Terry.
1810
Thomas worked as a carpenter for Eli Terry.
1811
Terry sold the business to Seth Thomas and partner Silas Hoadley.
1813
Seth Thomas sold his interest to Hoadley and moved to Plymouth Hollow, CT.
Seth Thomas founded The Seth Thomas Clock Company with approximately 20
employees.
1814
The Seth Thomas Clock Company began producing box clocks taking a cue from
the increased sales of these types of clocks by Eli Terry.
1815
Thomas again follows Terry's lead and begins producing pillar and scroll
clocks with rack and snail movement.
1853
The Seth Thomas Clock Company was incorporated to ensure the company's
continuance after the death of Seth Thomas.
1859
Death of Seth Thomas, founder of The Seth Thomas Clock Company. Seth
Thomas's sons, Seth Jr., Edward, and Aaron took over the business. Aaron
acted as President.
1860
The production of Regulator clocks begins. (The No. 2 Regulator was
produced for 90 years.)
1865
The town of Plymouth was divided by an Act of Legislature. The western
portion, previously known as Plymouth Hollow, was named Thomaston in honor
of Seth Thomas in 1875.
A new separate company called, "Seth Thomas Sons & Company" was created to
manufacture lever movements using spring balances for mantel clocks.
1869
The first perpetual calendar clock was produced by The Seth Thomas Clock
Company.
1872
The first Seth Thomas tower clock was made in Thomaston. Between 1872 and
1927, Seth Thomas was one of the major producers of tower clocks, not only
in the United States, but also worldwide.
1874
The company opened their first London office.
1875
The Seth Thomas Clock Co. was given a contract to make a centennial tower
clock for Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The work was completed on
June 24, 1875. The total cost of the clock was $ 20,000. It's bell weighed
13,000 pounds...one thousand pounds for each of the original 13 colonies.
1876
The Seth Thomas Clock Co. invented the first alarm clock and was awarded a
patent for its invention the same year.
1879
Seth Thomas Sons & Co. was brought back into the parent company.
1882
Aaron Thomas retires as president and William Thomas Woodruff took over.
1884
The Seth Thomas Clock Company begins the manufacture of watches.
1885
The company produced 135,000 clocks a year.
1897
The manufacture of metronomes was added to the operations at the Seth
Thomas factory and continued until 1984.
1900
The production of hall clocks began - long case clocks, glass fronts,
pendulums, & brass-cased weights. These were produced for 10 years.
1904
The company began production of tambour clocks.
1915
The production of pocket watches stopped...total production was
approximately 4 million timepieces.
1919
Seth E. Thomas Jr. (great grandson of Seth Thomas) took over as president.
1924
A new line of banjo clocks was introduced.
1928
Seth Thomas produced the largest single-faced illuminated dial clock in
the world for the Colgate Company building in New Jersey. The dial is 50
feet in diameter with hands weighing nearly a ton each. The clock is so
large that at night it is visible from all of lower Manhattan Island in
New York City. Although the Colgate Company no longer occupies the
building, the clock is still active today. Plans for redevelopment to the
facility include a special emphasis on the clock.
1931
The Western Clock Company and The Seth Thomas Clock Company merged to
become divisions of General Time Corporation. Seth E. Thomas,
great-grandson of the original founder of The Seth Thomas Clock Company
was the first Chairman of the Board of General Time Corporation until his
death in 1932.
1932
The Seth Thomas Division expanded its commercial line with items such as
parking meters, range timers, and industrial devices. It held the major
market share in parking meter movements and range timers for a number of
years.
The company produced electric, battery or main spring movements with
plastic or bakelite cases.
1936
The name of Western Clock Division of General Time Corporation was changed
to Westclox Division, the name that had been used for many years as a
trademark on clock dials.
1938
Westclox® and Seth Thomas® contributed to America's World-War II efforts
by producing highly sophisticated items for the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
It is interesting to note that some of America's newest aircraft carriers
of that time had as many as 64 Seth Thomas® marine clocks, while some of
the giant battleships carried a complement of 77. Seth Thomas® marine
clocks were standard equipment on many types of fighting craft from PT
boats and submarines up through merchant and naval ships of every
description.
1942
The production of household clocks was suspended during this time by
General Time Corporation to devote all of its manufacturing capabilities
to the war effort. During these years, Westclox Division was one of the
nation's largest producers of fuses for the War Department and also
manufactured arming mechanisms for the Sidewinder missiles. They were also
awarded an R&D contract to work on the 2.75 rocket.
During the war, General Time Corporation continued to advertise its two
brands in major publications even though clocks were not available for
consumer purchase. Seth Thomas® ads focused on its production of marine
clocks and actually showed a cut-away of a Naval vessel with detailed
installation of Seth Thomas® clocks. Other creative advertising themes
were used, such as "Betty goes shopping with shears", urging customers to
cut out pictures of Seth Thomas® clocks to be purchased "when her ensign
comes home". During the war years (1942-1945), American consumers were
urged in Westclox® and Seth Thomas® ads to buy war bonds to support "our
boys at the front".
Due to the shortage of metals during the war years, The Westclox Division
and other domestic clock manufacturers produced a "War Alarm" for domestic
use with a corrugated cardboard case.
1955
The Seth Thomas factory was nearly destroyed by a major Connecticut flood.
Many of its manufacturing facilities were relocated to General Time
factories in Georgia, Illinois and other areas.
1959
Westclox® introduced clocks with dual "Drowse" alarm features. It was the
only one in the industry with a choice of 5 or 10-minute drowse (snooze).
1964
The Seth Thomas Division introduced the first battery strike movement in
America.
1969
General Time Corporation was acquired by Talley Industries of Arizona.
1972
Westclox® pioneered the first Quartz movement in clocks, trademarked "Quartzmatic™".
Both the Westclox and Seth Thomas divisions produced clocks with quartz
movements. This technology provided clocks that are highly accurate and,
under normal and consistent pressure and temperature, an accuracy of plus
or minus one minute per year can be obtained. This technology was used in
the Apollo space command module.
1988
General Time Corporation, consisting of the Westclox® and Seth Thomas®
brands and the Westclox operation in Canada, was acquired from Talley
Industries by current management.
1990
General Time Corporation acquired from Talley Industries the rights to use
the name of Westclox ®, worldwide. General Time began operations in England
under the name of General Time Europe for distribution of its products
throughout the European countries.
2001
Seth Thomas, America's oldest clock company has a new beginning.
Seth Thomas, recognized by American consumers for its quality and
precision for nearly two centuries, joins hands with The Colibri Group, a
prominent name in luxury brands for over 20 years. This partnership which
combines Seth Thomas's legendary tradition with the financial strength and
technical expertise of the Colibri Group promises to take the Seth Thomas
brand to even greater heights.
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