Towns on Long Island thrive based on the industries that flourish within them. Such is the case with Sag Harbor. Sag Harbor is known for its contribution to the whaling industry. However after the whaling industry declined something else needed to take its place. That was the Bulova Watchcase Factory.

Right in the heart of downtown on Church Street lies an abandoned ruins, currently a subject of debate and decision by developers and the Sag Harbor planning board. But back in 1881 the cornerstone was laid for this large and soon to be booming factory. Joseph Fahys, a shop owner in New York City owned a factory in New Jersey that was looking for a place to relocate. Sag Harbor was a perfect solution. It would still be easy to transport the goods to the shops in Manhattan and yet the conditions would be better.

The new factory in Sag Harbor hired anyone willing to work and was full of retied seamen and immigrants. Fahys was known for his clean workspaces and employee perks. There was even a recreation room for use when not on shift. Fahys watch cases are still prized and collected today. The factory’s products were also noted for their high gold content. In 1890 $6,000 worth of gold was melted down every day and even the floor scraps came to a surprising $80,000 per year.

But the flourishing factory could not last forever. As much of the world was experiencing financial stress, so was Mr. Fahy. In 1931 competition began to push them out and Mr. Arde Bulova purchased and renovated the building to become the Bulova Watch Factory. During World War II the factory shifted its focus into manufacturing munitions and timing devices.

Bulova as a company is still in operation but the factory eventually closed its doors. The very last watchcase was produced there in 1975 and is still preserved in a museum display.  The building was eventually left to decay slowly over time.

Currently there are plans by Sag Development Partners to renovate the factory and turn it into housing and apartments. The plans and developments are being carefully scrutinized by the Sag Harbor Village Planning Board. While it is always regrettable to watch a historic building decay or undergo construction changes, this could once again be a chance for this property to benefit the community of Sag Harbor.