British Watch & Clock Makers Guild

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British Watch & Clock Makers Guild

Representing and Supporting the British Watch and Clock Industry for Over 100 Years

26/04/2026

Guild Director Paul Roberson was recently entrusted with restoring three exceptional clocks by Thomas Tompion, all originally purchased by Robert Harley and held at Welbeck Abbey. The trio — including a magnificent tortoiseshell grande sonnerie bracket clock, an ebonised striking bracket clock, and a month-duration longcase complete with its 1701 invoice — had spent years off display and required careful conservation to return them to working order. Undertaken on-site at the Portland Collection Museum, the work balanced technical restoration with historical sensitivity, ensuring these remarkable pieces could once again be seen and heard in motion as part of the exhibition. Read the full article in Timepiece magazine.

24/03/2026

Today the British Watch and Clockmakers’ Guild celebrates the life and legacy of John Harrison as we mark the 250th anniversary of his death; last year, we were honoured to host an event at 11 Downing Street where Harrison’s celebrated timekeeper, H4, was displayed.

23/02/2026

An 18-carat gold pocket watch by Jules Jurgensen, recovered from the body of Isidor Straus after the sinking of the RMS Titanic, has sold for £1.78 million at Henry Aldridge & Son the highest price ever paid for Titanic memorabilia. A birthday gift from his wife, Ida Straus, the watch is believed to have stopped at 02:20, the very moment the ship slipped beneath the Atlantic. Carefully preserved within the family for generations, it reminds us how profoundly personal timepieces can be — objects of craftsmanship, certainly, but also of memory, devotion and loss. Read the full article in Timepiece magazine.

19/02/2026

The British Watchmakers’ Alliance has revealed ‘The List’ for British Watchmakers’ Day 2026, with 26 exclusive Special Edition watches (each limited to a maximum of 50 pieces) launching only at the show on Saturday 7 March at Lindley Hall. Now in its third year, the event continues to showcase the creativity and quality of British watchmaking, with strict no pre-order rules ensuring visitors have a fair chance to secure these increasingly collectable pieces. Headline sponsor Roger W. Smith Ltd marks its 25th anniversary, while Studio Underd0g will host an exclusive live watch assembly experience. With 48 British brands exhibiting and tickets expected to sell out quickly, BW Day 2026 is set to be the hottest date on the UK watch calendar.

06/01/2026

Last week, the horological world lost one of the great figures in antiquarian horology Jeremy Evans, the world authority on Thomas Tompion, passed away, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship and generosity.

Jeremy devoted his life to the study of Thomas Tompion, the father of British clockmaking. His research and publications are, and will remain, the definitive works on the subject for generations to come.

Lewis Walduck, Guild Director and a friend of Jeremy, said: “His name was one of those almost god-like names in the horological world… Yet when I met him, what struck me most was how calm and quiet he was. He was extremely humble, unfailingly kind, and possessed a rather dark sense of humour. With his passing, one of the great figures of antiquarian horology in the modern age has gone, but his name will live on through his work and research.”

Ben Wright, clock dealer and co-author of Thomas Tompion: 300 Years, said: “Jeremy was a kind and generous gentleman, a true friend to me and to so many kindred spirits in our horological world. He will of course be remembered as the world’s foremost expert on Thomas Tompion. His diligent research was unparalleled, as was his unfettered generosity in sharing his astonishing knowledge with collectors and scholars all over the world.”

Jeremy will be greatly missed. The British Watch and Clockmakers’ Guild extends its heartfelt condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.

26/12/2025

Today, Guild Director Paul Roberson appeared on BBC One’s Would I Lie to You? Christmas Special alongside Guild President Jools Holland.

Tune in now or catch up on BBC iPlayer.

16/12/2025

A message from Guild President Jools Holland OBE as another remarkable year draws to a close: reflecting on time flying by, a successful winter tour, the forthcoming 67th series of Later… with Jools Holland in early 2026 and its approaching 35-year anniversary, the joy of championing musical legends and emerging talent, and the continued honour of being part of so many lives through music and tradition. With warm wishes to all Guild members for health, peace and prosperity in 2025, and a reminder to find balance, rest and enjoyment alongside hard work — “enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think.” Read more in this months TimePiece magazine.

28/11/2025

A rare architectural ebony table clock signed by Edward East but displaying unmistakable Samuel Knibb characteristics will be a highlight of Bonhams’ Fine Clocks sale on 2nd of December. Experts note the intriguing blend of East’s dial and engraving style with movement features strongly associated with Knibb, suggesting a fascinating collaboration between the two renowned makers. Find out more in this month’s Timepiece magazine.

22/11/2025

Bundock McKay Lecture

New! The Bundock McKay Lecture Series

The AHS Turret Clock Group is proud to launch the Bundock McKay Lecture, an annual event honouring two outstanding turret-clock scholars and former Chairs of the Group: Chris McKay and Mike Bundock. Their research, publications and leadership helped shape modern turret clock horology.

🕰️ First Lecture – 29 November 2025 (AGM)

“From genesis to revelations: St Paul’s first clocks reconsidered”

by Dr James Nye, AHS Chairman

Dr Nye re-examines the origins of St Paul’s Cathedral’s early clocks, offering a fresh interpretation that challenges centuries of accepted history.

🔗 Book your place here:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ahsturretclockgroup/1892831

This new lecture series celebrates the legacy of McKay and Bundock by continuing their mission: advancing research, deepening knowledge, and inspiring the turret clock community.

19/11/2025

The Pleasaunce Turret Clock rings again as the historic two-train timepiece in Overstrand, North Norfolk, has been expertly restored by Paul Roberson FBHI, bringing its original ‘Jump’ movement back to life within the Grade II listed Lutyens tower after years of dormancy. Find out more in this month’s Timepiece magazine.

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http://bwcmg.org/

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