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Martinek the Inventor

Can you recall a time when there was a small submarine in the window of Martinek’s Jewelry store? Whether you remember or not (it was eight years ago or so), how did it get there? Where was it from? Believe it or not, the original owner and founder of Martinek’s Jewelry store invented it and it was placed in the window as a showpiece.

Coming from Bohemia like so many other settlers who came to this area at the time, James N. Martinek came to live a more peaceful and prosperous life. He and his son sold a variety of gems and jewelry, particularly that of Bohemian style. The Martineks also became well-known and respected for their ability to repair and sell reliable watches.

Jewels and watches were not James N. Martinek’s only passion, however. He also dabbled with inventing. With a high interest in shipwrecks, he began to think of ways to retrieve lost and valuable items. He came up with what began to evolve into a small submarine, controlled by clockwork mechanisms. He experimented with it and started to build it with his brother, Julius. The exciting project of course brought many people from all over the country and even the world to investigate the new idea. This included people interested in a submarine for reasons other than retrieving sunken ships. Many visitors were looking for information to suit purposes of war. Avoiding war was the reason Martinek came to America in the first place, and he was not about to help it along. Although it was only a matter of time before someone else came up with a submarine idea, Martinek left his project unfinished so that he could remain the pacifist he had previously declared himself.

Continuing with the traditions started by the Martinek family, Paul Everts, also a third-generation jeweler, is now offering the Martinek Line of Watches for ladies and men. He decided to create a watch that would stand the test of time. With a Martinek’s watch, you not only get a beautiful and reliable timepiece that you can pass down generation to generation, but also a lifetime guarantee on the mechanics of the watch, including service and all battery replacements. In addition, most parts are in stock so you do not have to wait more than a day or two for repairs.

128 years ago James N. Martinek opened Martinek’s Jewelry store and unknowingly began a tradition of reliability and integrity and excellence. Now you can experience that tradition and own a piece of history. “You’ve got our name on it!”

Martinek’s Jewelers is located at 217 E. Front Street. They can be reached by calling 231-946-4664, or visit their website: www.martineksjewelers.com.

Most of the information for this article came from Grand Traverse Legends, Vol. III by Robert E. Wilson. Page 30-32. Copyright 2006 Grand Traverse Pioneer & Historical Society.