Timexpo in Waterbury, Connecticut Presents the History of the Wristwatch

Timex is one of America's most well-known brands. Introduced in the 1950s, the Timex wristwatch became famous through its live "torture test" commercials in which spokesman and newsman John Cameron Swayze promised that a Timex could "take a licking and keep on ticking."

Today, in a converted factory building in the company's hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut, the story of Timex is told to visitors at a unique museum called Timexpo.

Origins of Timex

Waterbury, Connecticut is known as the Brass City, and the company now known as Timex was begun because clocks and watches were seen as a good use of brass parts. Visitors to Timexpo learn that brilliant marketing has always been behind the success of the company. As the 20^th century began, the Waterbury Clock Co. turned out watches that cost $1, and marketed them as the "Watch that Made the Dollar Famous."

In the early 20^th century, designers at Waterbury devised a way to reliably strap a pocket watch to the arm of U.S. soldiers going off to fight in World War I. When these doughboys returned home, their wristwatches became a symbol of their service and a popular fashion trend was launched.

Mickey Mouse watch

An entire section of the Timexpo is dedicated to one of the Waterbury Company's greatest success - the Mickey Mouse watch. Introduced in 1933 under the Ingersoll brand name, the immensely popular watches saved the financially strapped company. Over 11,000 of them were sold at Macy's in New York City on the first day they were available. Mickey Mouse watches have been produced continuously since the Waterbury version debuted, and have become highly collectible in the decades since.

Timex take a licking

On the Waterbury Clock Company's 100th anniversary in 1950, the company introduced its first Timex branded wristwatch. By the end of the decade, one third of all watches sold in America were from Timex. The Timexpo museum features a Time Tunnel that tells the story of Timex - from its pocket watches to the debut of the Mickey Mouse watch and the advanced timepiece technology of the 21st century.

But the Timexpo looks at other aspects of time as well. The "Coincidences or Connections" exhibit celebrates the explorations of adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed a raft across the ocean to prove his theories of man's migration across the continents. The distinctive Easter Island replica statue that stands outside the museum represents this exhibit.

Timexpo: The Timex Museum, is located at 175 Union Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. It is open Tuesdays through Saturday year-round. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children 5 to 12. Admission for children under 5 is free.