According to Crossman, John R. Proud worked as a case maker for a variety of early watch companies. He started with making cases and tools for H & J.F. Pitkin. Then, he helped continue the case business after the death of Henry Pitkin. He then worked for Dennison, Howard & Davis, increasing the production from a few dozen per week in 1855 to 200 per week in 1857. He then partnered with Edward H. Owen and contracted to make cases for thw Waltham Watch Company from c.1857-1861. He retired in 1867.