Columbus Watches

The Columbus Watch Manufacturing Company of Columbus, Ohio was started in 1876 by Mr. D. Gruen and Mr. W. J. Savage, under the firm name of Gruen and Savage. They imported partly-finished nickel movements from Switzerland, finished them under their own name. This continued until November 18, 1882 when it was orginized as the Columbus Watch Company. On August 18, 1883, the first movements were completed. There are several features which distinguish it from other full plate American movements, namely, the location of the balance and balance bridge, which allows the barrel to come out without removing the balance. The barrel bridge also entirely covered the mainspring barrel. The company employed between 100 to 125 persons, with production increasing to about 40 to 50 per day. No cases were made by the company, and the mainspring, hairspring, jewels and dials were imported. In 1903, the company was sold to the South Bend Watch Company.