In recent years, the watchmaking industry in the US has been stirring after a prolonged period of dormancy. A wave of new American watch brands seeks to reclaim the nation’s storied legacy in timepiece craftsmanship. With promises of handmade watches that are manufactured and built in America, these brands are capturing the imagination of a watch-loving audience eager to embrace domestic products. To understand the essence of American watchmaking, one must look into the intricate workings of a timepiece. At its core lies the movement, the beating heart that animates each tick and tock. A mechanical watch movement comprises meticulously crafted components, and the fabrication of these intricate movements is a complex and costly endeavor, often shrouded in misconceptions. The roots of American watchmaking run deep, tracing back to the early 20th century when companies like Hamilton, Waltham, Howard and Elgin flourished on U.S. soil. These venerable institutions epitomized the spirit of American ingenuity, producing high-quality timepieces crafted with meticulous attention to detail. From hairsprings to jewels, every element was meticulously crafted, showcasing the pinnacle of American watchmaking prowess. Among the luminaries of American watchmaking was the Waltham Watch Company, a pioneering force in the industry's evolution. Founded in the mid-19th century by Edward Howard and Aaron Dennison, Waltham revolutionized watch production with its innovative factory-based system of interchangeable parts. This groundbreaking approach not only facilitated mass production but also ushered in an era of accessibility, making quality timepieces more attainable to a wider audience. While the glory days are far behind, the spirit of American watchmaking endures buoyed by a new generation of artisans and entrepreneurs. Inspired by heritage and driven by innovation, these trailblazing brands are reimagining the landscape of American horology, blending tradition with modernity to create timepieces that honor the past while embracing the future.