Pocket Watch Database

Dubois Watch Case Co.

Brooklyn

Dubois Watch Case Co. Image

Initial Marking: D.D.D.D.

Location: Brooklyn

Years of Operation: 1887 - c.1924

Organized by Louis Duval, Jacques Depollier, Jules Dubois, and Emilie Cureau in 1887. Depollier and Dubois were formerly integral to the operation at the Willemin Watch Case Company. [Crossman]

Specialty: Solid Gold Cases with Raised Ornamentation, Full Bassine Engine Turned Cases, Jurgensen-Style Cases, and Custom Cases for Somplicated Swiss Watches.

The Dubois Watch Case Company was organized by Jacques Deplier, Jules Dubois, Louis Duval, and Emile Cureau in June 1887 to manufacture 14K and 18K gold watch cases.

In 1889, Jules Debois patented a convertible watch case designed "to contain a souvernir or love token instead of the old-fashioned brooches heretofore employed for this purpose."

The company also operated as a sales agent for imported watches. In 1891, The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review reported the Dubois company had secured the sole agency in the United States for Swiss watchmaker Paul D. Nardin (succeeded by Ulysse Nardin the following year).

In 1892, the Dubois factory was almost destroyed by fire. However, since the sprinkler system was triggered, the fire was extinguished before it could cause significant damage. However, the entire factory was drenched with water.

Around 1896, advertisements began to appear featuring the "DDDD" flower trademark that became the copmany's trademark used on cases. The majority of the company advertisements following this point in time feature an illustration of the trademark.

In 1897, the company partnered with the Waterbury Watch Company to provide 14K cases for several of the company's movements.

In 1901, the copmany introdeced a "dust-proof" watch case based on the patented design by C.K. Colby.

In 1905, the company moved to the factory previously occupied by Jeannot & Shiebler at 316-324 Herkimer St. in Brooklyn.

In 1908, the copmany introduced the "Safety Chatelaine Brooch Watch." These watches included an implementation of Wachter's patented ball bearing bow to secure the watch effectively.

In 1914, one of the company founders, Jacques Depollier, was killed in an automobile accident.

Around the time of World War I, Jacques Depollier & Son (Charles L. Depollier) began selling Waltham wristwatches. The company specialized in the "khaki watch" and the "D-D" Field and Marine Watch. The cases of these watches were manufactured by the Dubois Watch Case Company.

The Dubois Watch Case Company failed around 1924.

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 Dubois Watch Case Co. Dubois 14K: Dubois W.C.Co. 14K 0.585 Fine Guaranteed U.S. Assay Flower with Four D Petals Dubois 14K Gold 14K 1900NHW
Dubois 18K Gold 18K

Company Case Trademarks & Hallmarks