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Birth
Otto Heins is born in Frankfurt, Germany. His father is a watch maker. His mother is a school teacher. They are a middle class family. -
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Growing Up
Otto Heins attended all of his schooling. As he grew up, his father showed him the way of watch making. Otto though, did not want to pursue this career his father left for him. He had dreams of leaving Germany. -
World War 1 Begins
With the start of WWI, tensions were high in Germany. Otto's father had been drafted to fight. He had been injured with months of leaving and was back home. This part of Germany's history made Otto want to leave. -
World War 1 ends
With the loss of The Great War hanging over Germany, the economy was poor. Even though Otto's family still had plenty of money, the future seemed dim. -
New Hope
Otto received a post card from his cousin, Harold, one day. He had been living in New York City since 1911. He told Otto of great opportunity that was in America. He also said that if he would move here there would be room for him to live with Harold and his wife. -
Leaving Germany
Otto decided that he needed to leave Germany. Tensions were just too high after the war and opportunity was an ocean away. He left from the Port of Hamburg. -
Arriving
Otto arrived in New York City and was greeted by his cousin who he had not seen for nearly 10 years. Otto was shocked of the size of the buildings. He was glad to be here and ready to start his life. -
Career Begins
Otto's career begins not as smoothly as he hoped. He began to make watches but his sales were not great. He hopes for a brighter future. -
Family Death
The sudden death of Otto's father came at a rather unexpected time. Otto had just began having success in his business and had bought a new workshop. He hoped that his mother would be okay. -
Success
Otto came to America 7 years ago with a dream. What he has accomplished surpassed anything that he had hoped for. He had one of the biggest watch making businesses in New York City. He called it "Heins Watches". He made stylish yet affordable watches which were sold by the hundreds.
