American Clock & Watch Museum

American Clock & Watch Museum The American Clock & Watch Museum celebrates the innovation and artistry of the clock and watch indu

The American Clock & Watch Museum is a private, non-profit educational museum and research institution, established in 1952, to promote the history of American-made clocks & watches. Our mission is to celebrate the innovation and artistry of the clock and watch industries through unique collections that engage, educate, and enrich our community. We do the following to meet our mission:

Maintain a

museum in Bristol, CT, for collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the history and science of clocks, watches and other timekeepers of horological interest. Operate a research library with historic and contemporary literature devoted to the history, development and manufacture of timekeepers. Support a publication program to acquire, prepare, edit, publish and distribute new and reprinted documentary materials relative to clock and watch making and manufacture. Study and interpret the history of American horology through educational programs to both general audiences and clock enthusiasts, and cooperate with other public and private agencies to make programs available to the widest possible audience. Encourage the preservation of information, objects, architecture, and historic sites related to American horology.

Early 20th century poster stamp for the Elgin Watch Company. These colorful, collectible advertising labels resembled po...
06/02/2026

Early 20th century poster stamp for the Elgin Watch Company.

These colorful, collectible advertising labels resembled postage stamps but had no actual postal value. Also known as "cinderellas," they were historically used by private companies, cities, and organizations to advertise events, fundraise, or promote products. Use of these stamps started in the mid-19th century and quickly became very collectable, growing in popularity until World War I but then declining by World War II.

Wristwatch by the Elgin National Watch Co. 18/0-size, 7-jewel,  Model 1, Grade 488In 14K gold-filled case, marked "Elgin...
05/28/2026

Wristwatch by the Elgin National Watch Co.
18/0-size, 7-jewel, Model 1, Grade 488
In 14K gold-filled case, marked "Elgin, USA" on back plate

Save the date for Wine, Women & Watches on Thursday, September 17th! We may not have “cardboardeaux” but there will be m...
05/25/2026

Save the date for Wine, Women & Watches on Thursday, September 17th! We may not have “cardboardeaux” but there will be many other delicious wines to try, great auction and raffle items, and a fun night that supports the museum! I Louvre Art Memes

Don't be late and save the date for these fun tea events!
05/21/2026

Don't be late and save the date for these fun tea events!

We are very grateful to have received a grant from the Bristol Rotary Club this morning! The museum will use this fundin...
05/19/2026

We are very grateful to have received a grant from the Bristol Rotary Club this morning! The museum will use this funding toward children's activities relating to Bristol's America250 celebration. On June 13th (CT Open House Day), we will give away free copies of The History of the American Revolution by Emma Carlson Berne (while supplies last), have drop-in craft activities, and a specially themed scavenger hunt. On June 14th on the Federal Hill Green, the museum will have a booth where children and families can make a patriotic pinwheel and an American Flag-themed fortune teller. During July 4th weekend at the museum, families can participate in a variety of drop-in activities, including a firework telling time puzzle, patriotic party hats, and the National Bell Festival where visitors will join in a nationwide bell ringing event by gathering in the sundial garden and ringing our 1891 bell. Thank you to the Rotary Club for their support!

Sharing some of the beautiful clock cases in our collections that are made of walnut on  .
05/17/2026

Sharing some of the beautiful clock cases in our collections that are made of walnut on .

We are pleased to be taking part in the Blue Star Museums program again this year!  From Saturday, May 16th through Labo...
05/15/2026

We are pleased to be taking part in the Blue Star Museums program again this year! From Saturday, May 16th through Labor Day weekend, we are offering free admission to currently serving military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserves.

Thank you for your service! We look forward to seeing you at the museum.

For a full list of participating museums nationwide, visit https://www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map

Happy birthday Elisha Manross! Born on this date in 1792, he worked as a clock maker in Bristol, CT between approximatel...
05/11/2026

Happy birthday Elisha Manross! Born on this date in 1792, he worked as a clock maker in Bristol, CT between approximately 1812 and 1854.

Elisha was a grandson of Nehemiah and the son of Elijah, a drummer boy in the American Revolution. Elisha married Maria Cowles Norton in 1821. They had seven sons and one daughter: Robert, Martha, Newton Spaulding, Elijah, Charles, Eli, John and Henry.

In 1820, Elisha began the production of complete clocks in Forestville, CT. Elisha became one of the pioneers of brass clock-making in America, making the first jeweled movements ever made here. He and his sons devised a machine for cutting clock jewels to make them run more smoothly.

He was also a Captain in the war of 1812 and commanded a company of one hundred men to guard the coast at Fort Killingly. He was also Captain of the Bristol Artillery Company. He was a deacon and a long-time member of the Congregational Church in Bristol. Three of his sons were in the Civil War: Captain Newton, Sergeant Elias and John.

Elisha Manross died on September 27, 1856.

05/04/2026

Address

100 Maple Street
Bristol, CT
06010

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(860) 583-6070

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