Small-scale watchmaking began in America in the 18th century. How early is unknown. Colonial advertisements citing locally made watches and ability to fabricate just about any watch part for the trade, including champlevé dials and cases, exist from the 1740's. Makers likely imported rough (unfinished) movements from England and finished them locally just like watch makers did back in England (read Article on Colonial & Early American Watchmakers). 

This section highlights a few surviving American-signed watches, the true beginnings of the American watch industry.

Colonial Pocket Watches ● Federal Era Pocket Watches ● Early American Watch Making 

English Pocket Watches ● Dutch Pocket Watches

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