Pocket Watch Importance The pocket watch was a necessary commodity among railroad employees, whose careers hinged upon timing accuracy. Even before the Association of American Railroads voted upon time-keeping standards to prevent further train wrecks, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad that ran through Purcell required that pocket watches regularly be checked for accuracy. Prior to the railroad, only the wealthy could afford a pocket watch. Inside of the watch was an unseen marvel of mechanics; a precision of moving gears and wheels, some made of gold. The hard-jeweled bearings, such as rubies, reduced friction without wearing down. American-made timepieces, specifically those certified for the railroad, only gained or lost 30 seconds a week—rivaling even today’s standards. The railroad company needed these accurate pocket watches in their employees’ hands, but few could afford them at the exorbitant price of $37. Watches given to employees often ended up in pawn shops or as gambling debts. It was B.C. Clark who provided a solution.
Marketing Genuis B.C. was an entrepreneur and pioneer, who believed in the power of friendship and the necessity of advertising. His first major investment in Purcell was extravagant at the time; a three-foot sign that read, “The Big Watch Jeweler.” B.C. also ran personalized newspaper ads, thanking his customers, and he formed friendships with people from all walks of life, including the local Native Americans. When the Santa Fe railroad needed to select an official Pocket Watch Inspector for Purcell, it was B.C. who had the skills, connections, and trust to earn the prestigious position. Under the new safety rules, railroad employees carried large, plain, railroad-certified watches that had to be inspected every 15 days and fully serviced every 15 months. Suddenly, B.C. had a ready-made clientele, but in exchange, he gained the weighty responsibility of keeping railroad cargo and passengers safe. Watch prices continued to be an issue, however, so B.C. boldly approached the Santa Fe Railroad with the idea of giving the railroad employees the option to deduct $5 per paycheck until the expensive watch was paid off. The idea worked, and B.C.’s creativity resulted in a steady flow of customers who kept him solvent, even through the Great Depression.
50 BC CLARK MAGAZINE
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