It’s time to honor the first African American who hand carved a working wooden clock.
Benjamin Banneker was born in Maryland November 1731. He was a land-owning tobacco farmer of modest means.
In 1751 Banneker borrowed a pocket watch. He was fascinated by its mechanisms. Drawing each component and creating pieces out of wood. Circa 1753 he constructed the first wooden clock in the United States. It disappeared in a mysterious fire and has never been recovered.
Banneker published an almanac offering weather data, recipes, and medical remedies. As a noted astronomer and mathematician George Washington appointed Banneker to a surveyor team. The goal was to select sites for the White House and other federal buildings. In October 1806, Banneker died in his sleep.
Banneker’s Legacy continues to this day as Banneker, Inc. Founded in 2003. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado and black owned.
Personal interview with Banneker founder and CEO Derrick Holmes.
What timepiece collections have been the most popular?
“The most popular current watches have been the Baller collection, the Poise, and the Nice. In the past we had an extremely popular limited edition Black Eagle watch that sold out quickly. Three of our most popular original collections are the Power, the Imhotep, and the Me which we want to bring back at some point in 2025”.
What new products and designs are in store for 2025?
“In 2025 we are hoping to launch a new version of the Poise and a series of stainless-steel mesh bracelets. A new series in the Camelot family named “the Fire” promises to be exciting as well”.
Any new materials being used from the African Continent to produce timepieces?
“Currently, we source many of our exotic woods from the African Continent. Black sandalwood, red sandalwood, wenge wood, and ebony wood from Mozambique, and zebra wood from Congo. We are always looking for additional collaborations with African manufacturing partners”.
That concludes the interview, enjoyable, insightful, and a pleasure.
As a young professional living in Cincinnati the 43mm Camelot Gold Watch is unique and of exceptional quality. It helps deliver my personal swagger.
Remember to change clocks and watches for daylight saving time on Sunday March 9th.
Cartoon character Aljay is created by Sterling Haynes.
This is an incredible treasure of knowledge for us to feast on.
Leo says
If a black man achieved all these things in 1700’s what is going on today?
A whi©÷ man owns the missing wood clock somewhere.
Might buy one of these boss baller watches?