On August 3, 1933, the first Mickey Mouse watch was introduced by the Ingersoll Waterbury Clock Co. of Waterbury, Conn. and Walt Disney Productions at the
Chicago Exposition ‘Century of Progress’. The original Mickey Mouse watch was
priced at $3.25 and later lowered to $2.95. A pocket watch version (shown below)
was also made available around the same time for the price of $1.50.
I LOVE Mickey! Hey, I even had a little “play outfit” growing up with that exact print on the wrapped up present! Thanks for your post of my friend, the ‘BESTEST Mouse’ on the Planet!!
Mickey Mouse Watch Original Design
This Unique printing plate is Concept Art used to develop the original Mickey Mouse watch. Kay Kamen needed copies for his sales presentation with Ingersoll. The original design on the face of the watch is by Ub Iwerks. Mickey has striped pants and balloons in the background. The company name “Ingersoll” is not there yet. The wristband is similar to the production watch but with two different Mickey Mouse designs. The artist is Floyd Gottfredson. Floyd had high level of artistic skill and was the only Mickey Mouse comic strip and merchandise artist at the time. Circa 1933 engraved copper on wood. The artwork is extraordinary. I love the way it fades in and out as if light was shining on the metal. Life size presented on a platform and tilted a few degrees for a three dimensional effect.