British Horological Institute

British Horological Institute Training for clock and watch makers since 1858, including on-site courses courses and learning from home.
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Clock and watch courses for the professional, interested enthusiast, and learning for the next generation of Britain’s clock and watchmakers.

This image shows one of the stages of a winding stem being made for a watch by hand—a small but essential component that...
17/06/2026

This image shows one of the stages of a winding stem being made for a watch by hand—a small but essential component that requires a remarkable amount of skill, precision, and patience to produce.
Working at this scale is a reminder that true craftsmanship often lies in the smallest details. Every technique mastered, every tolerance achieved, and every component successfully completed helps build confidence, capability, and a deeper understanding of the craft.
What's the smallest or most intricate component you've ever had to make, repair, or work on? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments below.

Making a winding stem

The watchmaker's lathe is often called the heart of traditional watchmaking—and for good reason.For generations, it has ...
16/06/2026

The watchmaker's lathe is often called the heart of traditional watchmaking—and for good reason.
For generations, it has been one of the most important tools on a watchmaker's bench, allowing craftsmen to manufacture, repair, and restore components with extraordinary precision. From creating replacement parts for vintage timepieces to turning balance staffs and pivots, the lathe makes it possible to keep mechanical watches running for decades, and sometimes centuries.
While modern technology has transformed many aspects of manufacturing, the watchmaker's lathe remains a symbol of skill, patience, and craftsmanship. It continues to play a vital role in preserving the art of horology and ensuring that treasured timepieces can be enjoyed by future generations.
Every watch tells a story, and behind many of those stories is a watchmaker and a lathe.

If you'd like to get hands-on and learn about the watchmaker's lathe see the BHI website for the next course coming up: https://bhi.co.uk/courses/wml

Some watches contain hundreds of components working together in perfect harmony, making them seem incredibly complicated...
15/06/2026

Some watches contain hundreds of components working together in perfect harmony, making them seem incredibly complicated. But the truth is, understanding the fundamentals of watchmaking doesn't have to be difficult.
With a little curiosity and an interest in how things work, anyone can begin to appreciate the fascinating mechanics behind a watch movement.
Have you ever looked at a mechanical watch and wondered how it all works, but assumed the subject would be too technical or complicated? You're not alone.
The good news is that watchmaking can be explained in a simple, practical, and enjoyable way. Whether you're completely new to horology or looking to deepen your knowledge, learning about watches is a rewarding journey that starts with the basics.
After all, every expert watchmaker started by learning how the first wheel turned.
⌚ Have you ever wanted to learn more about how mechanical watches work?

🔧 What's Your Most Indispensable Tool? ⌚Every clock and watchmaker has their favourite tools.Building a workshop doesn't...
10/06/2026

🔧 What's Your Most Indispensable Tool? ⌚
Every clock and watchmaker has their favourite tools.
Building a workshop doesn't happen overnight. Over the years, you collect tools, adapt them, and sometimes even make your own. What starts as a basic set of essentials gradually grows into a collection shaped by experience and the type of work you do.
As your skills develop, you learn that having the right tool for the job can make a real difference. It can improve accuracy, save time, and often make a challenging task much more manageable.
We're always fascinated by the tools that become indispensable in a workshop. Whether it's a well-used screwdriver, a favourite pair of tweezers, a specialist clockmaking tool, or something you've made yourself, we'd love to hear about it.
What is the one tool you couldn't do without, and why?

The problem with taking clocks apart is that, sooner or later, you have to put them back together again! 😅⏰It always sta...
09/06/2026

The problem with taking clocks apart is that, sooner or later, you have to put them back together again! 😅⏰
It always starts innocently enough. You remove a few parts to investigate an issue, fully confident you'll remember exactly where everything goes.
A little while later, the workbench is covered in wheels, screws, springs, and bits that all looked much easier to identify before they were removed!
Have you ever had a project in pieces and suddenly found yourself wondering, "Now where did that part come from?"
It happens to the best of us. Sometimes repair work is as much about patience and problem-solving as it is technical skill.
What's the most challenging thing you've ever had to reassemble?

🕰️ It's all in the detail...Learning horology takes time, patience, and practice. Some techniques can be challenging at ...
08/06/2026

🕰️ It's all in the detail...
Learning horology takes time, patience, and practice. Some techniques can be challenging at first, but with dedication and guidance from experienced tutors, you'll soon develop skills that might surprise you.
Of course, every learning journey has its frustrations. Projects don't always go to plan, and some techniques take longer to master than others. But stick with it—the sense of achievement when it all comes together is worth it.
What have been your highs and lows while learning a new skill? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments. 👇

🔍 Horology Challenge! 🔍Can you work out what's happening in this photo?❓ What process is being carried out?❓ Can you nam...
05/06/2026

🔍 Horology Challenge! 🔍
Can you work out what's happening in this photo?
❓ What process is being carried out?
❓ Can you name the machine being used?
We're sure many of our past students will know the answer — especially those who have attended a course with us at Upton Hall!
One of the most rewarding parts of learning horology is gaining hands-on experience with workshop machinery under the guidance of professional tutors. Whether you're restoring a treasured timepiece, repairing a family heirloom, or creating components for your own projects, these skills can open up a whole world of possibilities.
Have a guess in the comments below — no cheating! 😄

There's always plenty happening in the workshops at Upton Hall!Our students have been busy developing their skills, work...
03/06/2026

There's always plenty happening in the workshops at Upton Hall!
Our students have been busy developing their skills, working on a variety of clocks under the guidance of professional tutor John Reynolds FBHI. The well-equipped workshop provides the perfect environment for hands-on learning, whether you're just starting out or building on existing experience.
It's great to see so much enthusiasm, concentration and craftsmanship on display as students progress through their courses.
Have you studied in our workshops? We'd love to hear from past and present students.
Tell us in the comments:
⏰ Which course did you take?
🔧 What was your favourite project?
📸 Can you spot yourself in any of the photos?
We always enjoy hearing where your horology journey has taken you since training at Upton Hall.

The Pragnell-Bray Origins Clock is a remarkable full-size replica of John Harrison’s H1, one of the most significant tim...
02/06/2026

The Pragnell-Bray Origins Clock is a remarkable full-size replica of John Harrison’s H1, one of the most significant timepieces in the history of navigation and horology.
Designed by Charlie Pragnell and crafted by Bob Bray, President of the BHI, together with his family firm, Sinclair Harding, the clock is a celebration of British engineering, craftsmanship, and horological heritage.
The Origins Clock was first unveiled at Pragnell’s flagship showroom in Stratford-upon-Avon and has since been exhibited at Goldsmiths’ Hall, Dumfries House—home of The King’s Foundation—and most recently at Pragnell’s Mayfair showroom during London Watch Week (2–6 June 2026).
The British Horological Institute is pleased to welcome Pragnell as a Corporate Member and looks forward to supporting its continued commitment to British craftsmanship and horological excellence.
pragnellwatches Sinclair Harding - Makers of fine clocks

🕰️ Inside the June Horological Journal!Discover precision timekeeping and expert engineering in this month's issue.✨ Hig...
01/06/2026

🕰️ Inside the June Horological Journal!
Discover precision timekeeping and expert engineering in this month's issue.

✨ Highlights:
• The Origins Clock: A stunning, faithful recreation of Harrison’s legendary H1 Sea Clock by Sinclair Harding.
• Expert Guides: Continuing David Poole’s 'Let’s make a clock' masterclass and Ben Tubbing’s pendulum mechanics feature.
• Exclusive Insights: An interview with Mike France and "Bench View" by Mike Flannery.

📖 Read Now:
👉 Read the featured Origins Clock report for FREE: [https://bhi.co.uk/hj]
👉 Not a member? Sign up today to get the Journal delivered every month!

Address

Upton Hall, Main Street
Newark
NG235

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441636813795

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