Memphis’ Timeless Tales: A Look Back at Max Sandler and His Watchmaking Legacy
Ah, Memphis, a city rich in history, where tales of resilience and remarkable people have shaped the vibrant streets we cherish today. Among the many fascinating stories from the past, one shines brightly in the realm of horology—yes, that’s a fancy way to talk about watchmaking! Today, let’s take a stroll down memory lane, focusing on the illustrious career of Max Sandler at the U.S. Watch Company.
From Humble Beginnings
Picture this: it’s 1910 in downtown Memphis, and two childhood friends, Joseph Perel and William F. Lowenstein, decide to take their dreams to the next level by purchasing a pawn shop on South Main Street. Fast forward a few years, and this duo has transformed that modest beginning into a renowned department store that emphasized gifts and jewelry. By the late 1920s, they moved into a grand four-story building that would become a beacon for jewelry enthusiasts and a launchpad for aspiring watchmakers like young Max Sandler.
Max Joins the World of Watchmaking
Max Sandler stepped through the doors of Perel and Lowenstein in 1924 at just 21 years old. His journey into the watch repair department began, quietly setting stage for a dynamic career that would span over five decades. Fast forward to 1936, and he was not only establishing himself as a notable watchmaker but also making his mark as a husband, purchasing his first home for a whopping $4,500. Yes, even back then, buying a house was a big deal!
Timekeeping Champion
With his passion for horology—a fancy term for the study and measurement of time—Max rose through the ranks and became president of the Tennessee Watchmakers and Jewelers Association in 1942. This was a time when watchmaking was not just a profession but an art form. He oversaw workshops, using the latest technologies of the time, and earned a reputation that crossed state borders. In fact, ads of the late 1940s boasted about his expertise, declaring him a Certified Watchmaker.
A Bold Business Move
In March of 1954, Max decided to take a leap and open his own shop, the U.S. Watch Company, along with another venture, the Certified Master Watch Shop. His deep love for timepieces, along with a staff of skilled watchmakers, promised Memphis shoppers a direct connection to quality and precision. The store opened to great fanfare, with headlines stating that Max was now a well-known name across the United States for fine watch repair.
A Twist in the Tale
But, as life often does, a twist was around the corner. Just two years into running his businesses, news broke in April 1956 that the watch firm had declared bankruptcy. With debts far exceeding assets, the situation had the city buzzing. Max admitted the business had lost money for the last couple of years, leaving many surprised. However, our hero didn’t linger in despair for long! Within weeks, he was back at Perel and Lowenstein, where he became the go-to watchmaker once more, turning challenges into opportunities.
Legacy and Beyond
Though the Perel and Lowenstein chain eventually closed its doors in 1992, and its grand building became a memory, the legacy of Max Sandler lives on. He devoted over fifty years to the art of watchmaking, contributing to local horological societies and making a name that would echo through the ages. Sandler passed away in 1986 but left behind a rich tapestry of family and community connections, reminding us all that behind every tick of the clock, there’s a story waiting to be told.
Today, as we pass the empty buildings where the U.S. Watch Company once thrived and the lively McEwen’s restaurant now sits, let’s not forget the history of craftsmanship and dedication that helped shape the Memphis we know today.
So, the next time you glance at your watch, take a moment to appreciate the meticulous hands of those like Max Sandler, who helped keep not just time but Memphis’ legacy alive!
