Remembering Charles Depollier, an American Horologist Light Years Ahead of his Time

Charles L. Depollier passed away 83 years ago today. One of the photos you'll see is Depollier's very simple obituary, it did NOT do the man ANY justice. Not a single mention of Depollier's VAST horological accomplishments that still echo today. So, I re-wrote it, the way it should have been written in 1940. History nearly forgot Charles Depollier and his wife Elizabeth, they were lying in an unmarked grave for 81 years. A couple of years ago me and several very good friends pooled our money and had the names of Charles & Elizabeth placed onto the family plot headstone at Green-Wood Cemetery. Now, they can properly rest in peace. 

Depollier, Charles Leon passed away on December 29, 1940. He will be laid to rest, next to his wife Elizabeth, at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn New York. He is survived by his daughters Dorothy E. Depollier and Mrs. Thomas H. Martell. Depollier immigrated to the United States from Le Locle Switzerland on May 11, 1891. He worked in Brooklyn New York at 316 Herkimer Street for the family owned business, the DuBois Watch Case Company, a.k.a J. Depollier & Son. Charles became president of the DuBois Watch Case Company in 1914 after his father (Jacques Depollier) was killed in an automobile accident. Charles Depollier was a master horologist and watch case maker. Charles Depollier is responsible for creating the world's first waterproof wristwatch in 1918, the Waltham Depollier "Field & Marine" Waterproof Watch, which did feature a screw down crown and gaskets. Followed closely by the 1919 Waltham Depollier "Thermo" Waterproof Watch. Depollier worked with the United States Army Engineering & Research Division, specifically with Lieutenant Colonel Mauborgne, to make this new waterproof wristwatch technology possible. Depollier sold 10,000 waterproof wristwatches to the United States War Department in 1918. Depollier also worked as a paid consultant for the United States War Department during the Great War. Some of Depollier's other famous watch models & innovations from the Great War included the D-D Khaki Watch, the D-D Utility Watch, the D-D Bassine, the Miladi Militaire, the Khaki "No Fuss" Strap, crown badging, side case badging and anti-counterfeit crystal badging. Tiffany & Company of New York contracted with Depollier for private labeled military watches as well. He revolutionized wristwatch advertising through the use of the testimony concept. He is also responsible for inventing the waterproof watch case key technology. Depollier held at least 20 patents relating to advancements in horological technology. Depollier's "Field & Marine" Waterproof Watch was on the wrists of American pilots when they set new altitude world records of 34,610 feet in 1919 and 36,130 feet in 1920. The watches performed without error at altitude and frigid temperatures. Depollier was a family man and a patriot who loved his country. He worked hand in hand with the United States Army to give his country an edge on the field of battle. Undoubtedly, the horological technology invented by Charles Depollier for military and civilian use will echo for decades to come. Services for Charles Leon Depollier will be held at the Fairchild Chapel, 86 Lefferts Place in Brooklyn, on Tuesday at 11a.m.