Westclox

Westclox was originally established in 1884 as United Clock Company of Peru, Illinois based on a new, innovative idea by Charles Stahlberg. Stahlberg's innovation was patented in September of 1885 and his idea proved to be successful. He began with a small factory in back of a Department Store producing only one clock per day. He gradually increased production to 25 clocks per day with his staff of only eight people and later moved the company to it's own building. In 1908, the company proposed to change the name to the Western Clock Company, which was later agreed upon by the stockholders in 1912. In 1908 the company created a clock with a "bell-back" design and was granted a patent for the "Big Ben" alarm clock movement. This resulted in the first Big Ben clock introduced to the market in 1910. The great success of the Big Ben lead the company to develop a smaller version known as Baby Ben. In 1920, Big Ben became the first alarm clock advertised nationally. In later years Westclox introduced a portable travel alarm clock which was intended to be affordable for any working person. In 1938 during World War II, Westclox ceased all production of clocks for domestic sale in dedication to the war effort. The company focused production on aviation instruments for the U.S. Army and Navy. After supporting the war efforts of World War II Westclox continued to design and produce another "first of its kind". In 1959 they introduced their "drowse" alarm which was powered by electricity and integrated what's now commonly known as the "snooze" function. In 1961 the company established the first automated assembly line which greatly increased production. As time went on, Westclox's popularity continued to spread across America. In 1972 Westclox's introduced quartz movements to its line of products. The introduction of quartz clock movements allowed designs to evolve to become more stylish. Today, Westclox is a leading brand with an extensive variety of alarm and wall clocks that can be purchased at leading retailers in the United States, Canada and Worldwide.