Pocket Watch Database

Denver Watch Case Co.

Denver, Colorado

Denver Watch Case Co. Image

Initial Marking: D.W.C.Co.

Location: Denver, Colorado

Years of Operation: 1889-c.1927

Organized in 1889 by George Hirt to make use of gold mining in the west.

Specialty: Gold and Silver Watch Cases

Identification: Cases manufactured by the Denver Watch Case Company feature a "D.W.C.Co." monogram. Earlier variants are marked "Warranted U.S. 14K Assay," while later variants are marked "14K 0.585 Fine Guaranteed." Serial numbers are stamped under the primary mark in a slight U shape and feature wide digits with long serifs. Known examples carry six-digit serial numbers ranging from 100,000-350,00. Though, we should not conclude this suggests full production through those serial blocks. No rim assembly marks have been observed on the limited number of surviving examples. An elaborate monogram used by the Denver Watch Case Company appeared in industry trademark publications with a layout that differs from the monogram used on their watch cases (at least the surviving examples that are available for observation). The case monogram layout is slightly more spacious, allowing each letter to be distinguished, while the elaborate monogram is tighter, with the letters appearing on top of each other. However, the distinctive "D" used by the Denver Watch Case Company is evident in both monogram designs. The serial style is also similar to that used on cases by the Dubois Watch Case Company during this era, suggesting that actual production may have been facilitated by the Dubois company.

In 1888, George Hirt moved to Denver, Colorado and began to organize a watch case company to take advantage of the gold mining throughout the region.

According to an advertisement published in the October 11, 1911 issue of The Jewelers' Circular Weekly, the Denver Watch Case Company was established in 1889. However, the incorporation of the company occurred in the summer of 1890 with a capital stock of $100,000. The directors of the new company were E.P. Jones, A.H. Gutheil, C.R. Kaffer, and T.F. Bowman. George Hirt was president of the company, and William S. Muckle was manager.

As early as 1893, the company was located on Larimer St. in Denver at the corner of 17th. In 1900, the company was located at 1633 Arapshoe St. Shortly thereafter, the decision was made to move the operation to 1620 Champa St.

By 1911, the company offered a variety of jewelry and case services, including diamond mountings, special orders, case repair, and modifications.

The serial style found on the watch cases is also similar to that used on cases by the Dubois Watch Case Company during this era, suggesting that actual production may have been facilitated by the Dubois company.

In 1921, the company moved from 1620 Champa St. to 1634 Court Pl.

Mentions of the company ceased around c.1927.

Case Grades

Note: This chart is not intended to be a comprehensive list of grades. Some grades changed traits over time and other grades may not be listed. This chart will be improved as additional information is studied.

Image Name Case Material Gold Content Gurantee Source Catalogs Trademarked
Watch Case Marking for Denver Watch Case Co. 14K: 14K Gold 14K

Company Case Trademarks & Hallmarks

[DWCCo. Monogram] [Watch] (Denver Watch Case Co.)
Denver Watch Case Co.
[DWCCo. Monogram]
[Watch]