According to the July 12, 1899 issue of The Jewelers' Circular, The Star Watch Case Company was incorporated in Elgin, Illinois with a capital of $30,000 by F. Herman, F. Jung, and B.J. Terry in 1899.

In January 1904, the a large part of the factory was damage by fire. Even though work was able to resume, the company began looking towards the future. In 1905, the company decided to move and build a new fire-proof factory in Ludington, Michigan. Work bagan at the Michigan factory in 1906.

An advertisement published in the February 5, 1908 issue of The Jewelers' Circular-Weekly showcases the case grades offered at the time:

Nickel
Excellence, Silver Filled
Sterling Silver, Warranted 925/1000 Fine
Majestic, Warranted 5 Years
Defiance, Warranted 10 Years
Gold Filled, Warranted 25 Years
Gold Filled, Warranted 20 Years

It is important to note that the 25YR and 20YR cases were not yet advertised with trade names.

In 1910, the company introduced the "Wachter Ball Bearing" patented bow.