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ayecarumba · 1 June 2009, 11:46 AM

It's probably no accident that Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf chose London when he began in the watch trade: It used to be the center of the watchmaking universe!

If you find yourself in London you simply must plan to visit the "Clock(Watch)makers Museum."

http://www.clockmakers.info/index.htm

http://www.clockmakers.info/index_files/page0024.htm

A 5 minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral...Admission is free!

I just returned from my 2nd trip there and this visit was a real treat. I hope all of you have a chance to see it someday. Here are some pics that I hope you enjoy!

One side of the Guild Hall courtyard upon entering...

The entry to the watchmakers museum is on the left..near the autos...

Your humble protagonist, amateur horologist, TRF'er and WIS(!)..entry is through the double doors on the left...

London...and...watches! What's not to love? (note jacket and umbrella in trouser pocket..sigh, is it May?!)

Upon entering you're greeted by a "Who's Who" of London clock & watchmaking with this floor plaque..The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Coat of Arms is in the center...the names/colors denote their proximity to the museum....

When I came in, the fellow on the right was giving a tour of the museum. His knowledge of the exhibits was superb and he was a pleasure to listen to as he described these historic timepieces....

Turns out it was the curator! Sir Alan White. Now this is who you want to hear talk about the displays! He doesn't normally give tours...Boy, did we luck out! Pictured at back below grandfather clock (looking very bored!

)is my hapless colleague,Dave, who didn't know what he was getting himself into! I'm sure he will never tag along with me again if I mention the word "watch" in my itinerary!

The beauty and rich history of London Clock and Watchmaking came alive with his detailed descriptions. Back then, watches were individually commissioned works of art with beautiful details and elaborate craftsmanship...

Sir Alan described how London was the original heart of the fine watch and clock making industry....And that during the Napoleonic wars era they enjoyed a near monopoly on the trade....

Some of John Harrison's ingenious works are on display...on the upper right is one of his pendulum clocks powered with wooden(!) gears, and a running replica of his H1, the first true "Chronometer" that helped solve the longitude dilemma...

Before parachrome hairsprings and ceramic bezels there were....Wooden gears!

Wow! It's H5! The last Chronometer built of the design that won John Harrison the Longitude prize...below is his own personal watch built for him by John Jeffreys...

A Marine Chronometer from the EJ Dent Co...the guys who built the clocks on the belltowers of parliament (aka Big Ben)

The end of an era begins: In the late 19th century after Napoleons defeat, British watchmakers and the trade were open to competition from the continent....French, German, even American timepieces began to flood the market....the pieces on the lower right in red are all Bregeuts...

Closer on the Bregeuts...it was hard to shoot as everything is behind glass...

Some mass produced watches from Waterbury Co (Pre-Timex!?)...cheap, mass produced, and reliable timepieces were the beginning of the end for the London clockmakers who thought their clients wouldn't buy such inferior products....(boy, does history repeat itself?!)

Even though Sir Edmund Hillary became a Rolex ambassador, he wore a Smiths Industries wristwatch on his summit of Mt Everest...here it is! The black ribbon is a temporary addition to mark his recent passing....

A bust of George Daniels, British inventor of the Co-Axial escapement...
http://www.danielslondon.com/

I had the opportunity to meet and chat for a few moments with Sir Alan...I thanked him profusely and told him I would help spread the word about this beautiful little gem of a museum! Had on my Breitling B1 that day....

Capped off my day with a victory lap through Harrods impressive fine watch department (sorry, no pics allowed!

). Rolex has their own boutique...Then it was Fish'n'chips and a cold beer....Life is GOOD!

Hope you enjoyed your virtual visit....hope you can see it in person someday soon as my photos don't do it justice! Tell them TRF sent you!

--Paul

Abuwolfie · 1 June 2009, 11:56 AM

Very interesting and informative.

Thanks for sharing.

NJSub · 1 June 2009, 12:06 PM

That place is now on the list of things I will have to do once I finally fly over the pond to jolly old England!

diablojota · 1 June 2009, 12:07 PM

Thanks for sharing! That is very cool!

Saxon007 · 1 June 2009, 12:23 PM

Things to do in England:

1. Visit a castle

2. Visit the clock museum

3. Find out what goes in blood pudding

4....

sea-dweller · 1 June 2009, 12:25 PM

Thanks !

bodybump · 1 June 2009, 01:01 PM

Wow thanks for sharing paul...i wonder how much those vintage pocket watches cost...

Watchdog · 1 June 2009, 01:25 PM

Thanks for sharing those. Very cool and a definite stop next time over.

ayecarumba · 1 June 2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bodybump

Wow thanks for sharing paul...i wonder how much those vintage pocket watches cost...

Funny you should ask....b/c I asked the same question to Sir Alan. He mentioned the value of the collection was obviously in the "millions." I asked him what the most valuable piece in the collection was. He unhesitatingly replied the "Harrison H5 Chronometer." When I asked him what it might fetch if it were ever up for auction, he answered "I don't know as it's priceless!"

I mean, to get a teensy idea, here's a link talking about the 1933 Patek "Graves" supercomplication which I believe has fetched the highest auction price of any watch to date ($10 million dollars!!)

http://most-expensive.net/pocket-watch

They had 100s of watches....Including some of the most important ones in history! The only other place I saw Harrison timepieces was at the Royal Naval Observatory at Greenwich.

--Paul

TheVTCGuy · 1 June 2009, 02:00 PM

Outstanding pics! I want to visit.

One question though... I could swear, that Rolex advertises Sir Edmun Hillary had an Explorer... or maybe it was too early for that model... but some model Rolex on his wrist when he scaled Everest. Am I hallucinating? (again)

Perdu · 1 June 2009, 02:24 PM

Really excellent write up, Paul. I don't know what I expected the H5 too look like but it's much smaller than I imagined. I had something like a ships compass in mind. Must visit when I'm over to see the family. Sir Edmond did not wear a Rolex to the summit. Never knew that. What does the letter he wrote to Rolex refer too then I wonder?

Lisa · 1 June 2009, 03:00 PM

Paul, thanks for sharing the pics of your visit. What a neat place!

JJ Irani · 1 June 2009, 04:25 PM

Great info and pics, Paul......many thanks for sharing!!

JJ

Chris B · 1 June 2009, 04:28 PM

Great pics Paul, thanks for sharing

Z-Sub · 1 June 2009, 04:29 PM

That certainly will be very entertaining on a European vacation!!

sushisummo · 1 June 2009, 04:30 PM

Really Cool........thanks.

Lol-x · 1 June 2009, 06:16 PM

That was an excellent photo tour Paul

Thank you very much for the tour

Do they have many wristwatches on display or is it mostly pocket watches and clocks?

Lol-x · 1 June 2009, 06:16 PM

That was an excellent photo tour Paul

Thank you very much for the tour

Do they have many wristwatches on display or is it mostly pocket watches and clocks?

jdc · 1 June 2009, 06:27 PM

thanks Paul very well written and informative

Lamone · 1 June 2009, 06:37 PM

Great pictures and neat place!

DanP · 1 June 2009, 06:50 PM

Great Read Thank you Sir :)

padi56 · 1 June 2009, 09:00 PM

Great info and pics Paul and yes its a great place been there quite a few times.Fact John Harrison's marine chronometer a watch made nearly 300 years ago is as accurate or more accurate than best Swiss watches made today and without a parachrome hairspring.

So we haven't progressed a lot accuracy wise in over 300 years since Harrison's day. So most Swiss COSC tested wristwatch chronometers are, by the almost 300 year old 18th century navigational standards imposed on John Harrison,H4 watch,quite laughably inaccurate, even by todays standards.How about just 5 seconds slow after 63 days at sea,in one of the toughest environments known to man, not bad for a almost 300 year old watch.Now in those days no modern machinery no computer design no robots,just his bare hands and crude tools.Now when some of you guys look at your watch and moan because its a few seconds out you wont feel so bad. Just think and get into perspective a real watchmaker like John Harrison .

alphamale2012 · 1 June 2009, 10:25 PM

Didnt know it existed. Thanks for shring

SDDS · 1 June 2009, 11:51 PM

wow great photos thanx for sharing...

valentine · 1 June 2009, 11:52 PM

that was AWESOME, paul. thanks so much for sharing!

Imtiaz · 1 June 2009, 11:54 PM

Paul what a tour.

I was in London in April but did not know about this dream of a place.

Thanks for allowing us to share the tour with you

jake · 2 June 2009, 12:51 AM

Great Post Paul!!!!

Thanks for sharing!!!!

Jake

Yoda · 2 June 2009, 01:24 AM

Mainly pocket watches and clocks. You will be hard pushed to find a better collection.

Yoda · 2 June 2009, 01:43 AM

The British Museum holds over 900 clocks and 4500 watches in it's collection. Would recommend if you and visiting London.

DSJ · 2 June 2009, 01:48 AM

Put that on my "must see list" when I visit London!

1 June 2009, 11:46 AM	#1
ayecarumba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: ATL Watch: the one I'm wearin Posts: 526	A "MUST SEE" museum for watch fans everywhere!....Caution! PICS! It's probably no accident that Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf chose London when he began in the watch trade: It used to be the center of the watchmaking universe! If you find yourself in London you simply must plan to visit the "Clock(Watch)makers Museum." http://www.clockmakers.info/index.htm http://www.clockmakers.info/index_files/page0024.htm A 5 minute walk from St Paul's Cathedral...Admission is free! I just returned from my 2nd trip there and this visit was a real treat. I hope all of you have a chance to see it someday. Here are some pics that I hope you enjoy! One side of the Guild Hall courtyard upon entering... The entry to the watchmakers museum is on the left..near the autos... Your humble protagonist, amateur horologist, TRF'er and WIS(!)..entry is through the double doors on the left... London...and...watches! What's not to love? (note jacket and umbrella in trouser pocket..sigh, is it May?!) Upon entering you're greeted by a "Who's Who" of London clock & watchmaking with this floor plaque..The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Coat of Arms is in the center...the names/colors denote their proximity to the museum.... When I came in, the fellow on the right was giving a tour of the museum. His knowledge of the exhibits was superb and he was a pleasure to listen to as he described these historic timepieces.... Turns out it was the curator! Sir Alan White. Now this is who you want to hear talk about the displays! He doesn't normally give tours...Boy, did we luck out! Pictured at back below grandfather clock (looking very bored!)is my hapless colleague,Dave, who didn't know what he was getting himself into! I'm sure he will never tag along with me again if I mention the word "watch" in my itinerary! The beauty and rich history of London Clock and Watchmaking came alive with his detailed descriptions. Back then, watches were individually commissioned works of art with beautiful details and elaborate craftsmanship... Sir Alan described how London was the original heart of the fine watch and clock making industry....And that during the Napoleonic wars era they enjoyed a near monopoly on the trade.... Some of John Harrison's ingenious works are on display...on the upper right is one of his pendulum clocks powered with wooden(!) gears, and a running replica of his H1, the first true "Chronometer" that helped solve the longitude dilemma... Before parachrome hairsprings and ceramic bezels there were....Wooden gears! Wow! It's H5! The last Chronometer built of the design that won John Harrison the Longitude prize...below is his own personal watch built for him by John Jeffreys... A Marine Chronometer from the EJ Dent Co...the guys who built the clocks on the belltowers of parliament (aka Big Ben) The end of an era begins: In the late 19th century after Napoleons defeat, British watchmakers and the trade were open to competition from the continent....French, German, even American timepieces began to flood the market....the pieces on the lower right in red are all Bregeuts... Closer on the Bregeuts...it was hard to shoot as everything is behind glass... Some mass produced watches from Waterbury Co (Pre-Timex!?)...cheap, mass produced, and reliable timepieces were the beginning of the end for the London clockmakers who thought their clients wouldn't buy such inferior products....(boy, does history repeat itself?!) Even though Sir Edmund Hillary became a Rolex ambassador, he wore a Smiths Industries wristwatch on his summit of Mt Everest...here it is! The black ribbon is a temporary addition to mark his recent passing.... A bust of George Daniels, British inventor of the Co-Axial escapement... http://www.danielslondon.com/ I had the opportunity to meet and chat for a few moments with Sir Alan...I thanked him profusely and told him I would help spread the word about this beautiful little gem of a museum! Had on my Breitling B1 that day.... Capped off my day with a victory lap through Harrods impressive fine watch department (sorry, no pics allowed!). Rolex has their own boutique...Then it was Fish'n'chips and a cold beer....Life is GOOD! Hope you enjoyed your virtual visit....hope you can see it in person someday soon as my photos don't do it justice! Tell them TRF sent you! --Paul __________________ "Whether we wake or we sleep, Whether we carol or weep, The Sun with his planets in chime, Marketh the going of Time." --Edward Fitzgerald

1 June 2009, 12:07 PM	#4
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	Thanks for sharing! That is very cool! __________________ RTFT - Read The Friggin' Thread FcB

1 June 2009, 12:25 PM	#6
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Thanks ! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

1 June 2009, 01:01 PM	#7
bodybump ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 DATEJUST41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Sep 2008 Real Name: Oscar Location: Florida Watch: Me!!! Posts: 23,225	Wow thanks for sharing paul...i wonder how much those vintage pocket watches cost... __________________

1 June 2009, 02:24 PM	#11
Perdu "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Gary Location: GMT-6 Watch: GMT Posts: 3,350	Really excellent write up, Paul. I don't know what I expected the H5 too look like but it's much smaller than I imagined. I had something like a ships compass in mind. Must visit when I'm over to see the family. Sir Edmond did not wear a Rolex to the summit. Never knew that. What does the letter he wrote to Rolex refer too then I wonder? __________________ Omega Seamaster 300M GMT Noire Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500 Benson 1937 Sterling Silver Hunter

1 June 2009, 11:56 AM	#2
Abuwolfie "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dubai Watch: SDDS Posts: 27	Very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.

1 June 2009, 12:06 PM	#3
NJSub Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Chris Location: NJ, USA Watch: 16610 Posts: 156	That place is now on the list of things I will have to do once I finally fly over the pond to jolly old England!

1 June 2009, 12:23 PM	#5
Saxon007 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 2,002	Things to do in England: 1. Visit a castle 2. Visit the clock museum 3. Find out what goes in blood pudding 4....

1 June 2009, 01:25 PM	#8
Watchdog "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Junkyard Dog Location: The Doghouse Watch: I can't tell time Posts: 6,711	Thanks for sharing those. Very cool and a definite stop next time over.

1 June 2009, 02:00 PM	#10
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,540	Outstanding pics! I want to visit. One question though... I could swear, that Rolex advertises Sir Edmun Hillary had an Explorer... or maybe it was too early for that model... but some model Rolex on his wrist when he scaled Everest. Am I hallucinating? (again)

1 June 2009, 03:00 PM	#12
Lisa "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 15,741	Paul, thanks for sharing the pics of your visit. What a neat place!

1 June 2009, 04:25 PM	#13
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,320	Great info and pics, Paul......many thanks for sharing!! JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

1 June 2009, 04:28 PM	#14
Chris B "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Peterborough Posts: 9,623	Great pics Paul, thanks for sharing

1 June 2009, 04:29 PM	#15
Z-Sub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal, USA Watch: Not a ONEWatch Man Posts: 7,383	That certainly will be very entertaining on a European vacation!! __________________ SS Submariner Date "Z" SS SeaDweller "D" SS Submariner "Random" TT Blue Submariner "P" SS GMT-Master ll "M", Pepsi Pam 311, 524, 297

1 June 2009, 04:30 PM	#16
sushisummo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: JT Location: in a house....:) Watch: Hmmm......? Posts: 1,776	Really Cool........thanks. __________________ Collections: -- R-O-L-E-X --AP-ROO -- P-A-N-E-R-A-I -- B-R-E-G-U-E-T -- I-W-C -- B-A-L-L -- O-T-H-E-R-S WISHLIST: Too many to list...... Member #23367

1 June 2009, 06:16 PM	#17
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,245	That was an excellent photo tour Paul Thank you very much for the tour Do they have many wristwatches on display or is it mostly pocket watches and clocks? __________________ *Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.* ~Abraham Lincoln Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy ROLEXploitation - yeah I'm a victim

1 June 2009, 06:27 PM	#19
jdc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: UK Posts: 7,023	thanks Paul very well written and informative

1 June 2009, 06:37 PM	#20
Lamone Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Watch: ya mawt! Posts: 3,448	Great pictures and neat place!

1 June 2009, 06:50 PM	#21
DanP Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Dan P Location: Vancouver. Canada Watch: GV-U-Kno-Me :) Posts: 2,436	Great Read Thank you Sir :)

1 June 2009, 09:00 PM	#22
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 52,269	Great info and pics Paul and yes its a great place been there quite a few times.Fact John Harrison's marine chronometer a watch made nearly 300 years ago is as accurate or more accurate than best Swiss watches made today and without a parachrome hairspring.So we haven't progressed a lot accuracy wise in over 300 years since Harrison's day. So most Swiss COSC tested wristwatch chronometers are, by the almost 300 year old 18th century navigational standards imposed on John Harrison,H4 watch,quite laughably inaccurate, even by todays standards.How about just 5 seconds slow after 63 days at sea,in one of the toughest environments known to man, not bad for a almost 300 year old watch.Now in those days no modern machinery no computer design no robots,just his bare hands and crude tools.Now when some of you guys look at your watch and moan because its a few seconds out you wont feel so bad. Just think and get into perspective a real watchmaker like John Harrison . __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

1 June 2009, 10:25 PM	#23
alphamale2012 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Sam Location: UK Posts: 1,305	Didnt know it existed. Thanks for shring

1 June 2009, 11:51 PM	#24
SDDS "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Yazan Location: Canada Posts: 4,781	wow great photos thanx for sharing... __________________ Patek Philippe 5167 Patek Philippe 5905P black dial Rolex Deepsea 116660 M series Rolex Oysterquartz 17000 N series Rolex OP 41MM 124300 Green Dial

1 June 2009, 11:52 PM	#25
valentine Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Justin Location: Baltimore, MD Watch: TT Diamond DJ Posts: 2,809	that was AWESOME, paul. thanks so much for sharing!

1 June 2009, 11:54 PM	#26
Imtiaz Banned Join Date: Aug 2008 Real Name: De Location: Tokyo Watch: Daytona, Sub, DS, Posts: 1,046	Paul what a tour. I was in London in April but did not know about this dream of a place. Thanks for allowing us to share the tour with you

2 June 2009, 12:51 AM	#27
jake "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Jake Location: San Francisco Watch: Green Submariner Posts: 751	Great Post Paul!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! Jake __________________ Editor & Publisher of Jake's Rolex World Magazine which you can always find at: http://www.RolexMagazine.com

2 June 2009, 01:24 AM	#28
Yoda Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: London Watch: PP AP RM Posts: 794	Mainly pocket watches and clocks. You will be hard pushed to find a better collection.

2 June 2009, 01:43 AM	#29
Yoda Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: London Watch: PP AP RM Posts: 794	The British Museum holds over 900 clocks and 4500 watches in it's collection. Would recommend if you and visiting London.

2 June 2009, 01:48 AM	#30
DSJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: USA Watch: your step! Posts: 7,882	Put that on my "must see list" when I visit London! __________________ Rolex. The Rolex of watches. 16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II, 2552.80 SMP

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