Hampden History
For over a century now, the Hampden Watch Company and the family behind it have been crafting premium timepieces in the heart of Chicago. The foundation stone was first laid in 1922 under the banner of Clinton Watch Company by the visionary, Hyman Wein. Their strategy was simplicity itself: importing premier Swiss movements to deliver the absolute pinnacle in watchmaking craftsmanship.
MADE IN CHICAGO SINCE 1922
As our story unfolded, we spread our influence far and wide, building manufacturing plants in Switzerland, the Virgin Islands, New York, and Providence. We grew through the acquisition of other prestigious watch brands, including Hampden Watch in the mid-1950s and Benrus Watch in the 1980s. Parallel to all this expansive growth, the soul of our business quietly beat in the heart of Chicago, tirelessly crafting watches.
As we stride into our second century, we're proud to welcome a fourth generation into this horological lineage. To mark this milestone, we're debuting our latest collection – a bevy of timepieces with striking designs and patented innovations, exemplifying the enduring spirit of America's oldest active watch business.
1922
Hyman Wein founds Clinton Watch Company in Chicago
1922
Hyman Wein founds Clinton Watch Company in Chicago
1930
Hampden Watch got into trouble, factory equipment sold to Russia, rest of assets
1930
Hampden Watch got into trouble, factory equipment sold to Russia, rest of assets
1933
Morris Wein founds Marathon Watch Company in Toronto which continues operation today
1933
Morris Wein founds Marathon Watch Company in Toronto which continues operation today
Dueber Watch Case Factory, Newport, Kentucky
1947
Irving Wein joins his father Hyman as the second generation at the company
1947
Dueber Watch Case Factory, Newport, Kentucky
Irving Wein joins his father Hyman as the second generation at the company
1958
Clinton acquires Hampden Watch Company
1958
Clinton acquires Hampden Watch Company
Albert M. Dueber
1960
Clinton opens a watch factory in Neuchatel, Switzerland
1960
Albert M. Dueber
Clinton opens a watch factory in Neuchatel, Switzerland
1972
Clinton opens a watch factory in St. Croix, USVI
1972
Clinton opens a watch factory in St. Croix, USVI
1973
Clinton begins selling dive watches "so incredibly watertight it comes packed to you in water!"
1973
Clinton begins selling dive watches "so incredibly watertight it comes packed to you in water!"
1981
Company acquires Benrus Watch Company
1981
Company acquires Benrus Watch Company
1985
Joseph Wein becomes the third generation
1985
Joseph Wein becomes the third generation
1989
Hampden becomes the first company to use lasers in watch production
1989
Hampden becomes the first company to use lasers in watch production
1997
Company sells the Benrus brand, renames itself Hampden Watch Company
1997
Company sells the Benrus brand, renames itself Hampden Watch Company
2023
Hampden Watch relaunches as Daniel Wein becomes fourth generation
2023
Hampden Watch relaunches as Daniel Wein becomes fourth generation