Skip to main content

Clock Making Collection

Clock making has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century

Background imageClock Making Collection: Multiple solar clocks, 18th century (metal)

Multiple solar clocks, 18th century (metal)
AIS5370489 Multiple solar clocks, 18th century (metal); CNAM, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers, Paris; © Iberfoto

Background imageClock Making Collection: Portrait of Thomas Earnshaw

Portrait of Thomas Earnshaw
MMM5462895 Portrait of Thomas Earnshaw by Shee, Martin Archer (1769-1850); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Portrait of Thomas Earnshaw (1749-1829), watchmaker

Background imageClock Making Collection: Pocket watch, in polychrome enamel and gold, c.1810 (polychrome enamel and gold)

Pocket watch, in polychrome enamel and gold, c.1810 (polychrome enamel and gold)
MMM5470491 Pocket watch, in polychrome enamel and gold, c.1810 (polychrome enamel and gold); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Pocket watch, in polychrome enamel and gold)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Pocket watch, with chain and lid, given to the HMY crew master Victoria

Pocket watch, with chain and lid, given to the HMY crew master Victoria and Albert by the Russian Tsar, c.1900 (silver)
MMM5470475 Pocket watch, with chain and lid, given to the HMY crew master Victoria and Albert by the Russian Tsar, c.1900 (silver); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Pocket watch)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Nautical instruments: marine chronometers in their box, by Thomas Earnshaw (1749-1829), 19th century

Nautical instruments: marine chronometers in their box, by Thomas Earnshaw (1749-1829), 19th century
MMM5477759 Nautical instruments: marine chronometers in their box, by Thomas Earnshaw (1749-1829), 19th century; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageClock Making Collection: Electric master clock, between 1852-93

Electric master clock, between 1852-93
MMM5470212 Electric master clock, between 1852-93; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Electric master clock, between 1852 and 1893)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Watch by John Harrison (1683-1776) that allowed him to develop his H3 chronometer project

Watch by John Harrison (1683-1776) that allowed him to develop his H3 chronometer project, completed in 1759
MMM5476665 Watch by John Harrison (1683-1776) that allowed him to develop his H3 chronometer project, completed in 1759 by Harrison, John (1693-1776); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageClock Making Collection: Robert Houdin (1805-1871) sculpture Blois, 1801-1899 (sculpture)

Robert Houdin (1805-1871) sculpture Blois, 1801-1899 (sculpture)
5942827 Robert Houdin (1805-1871) sculpture Blois, 1801-1899 (sculpture); Maison de la magie Robert-Houdin, Blois, France; (add.info)

Background imageClock Making Collection: John Carter, Lord Mayor of London (engraving)

John Carter, Lord Mayor of London (engraving)
8676972 John Carter, Lord Mayor of London (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: John Carter (1804-1878), Lord Mayor of London

Background imageClock Making Collection: Pocket watch, with dedication engraved on the lid, 1815-16 (silver)

Pocket watch, with dedication engraved on the lid, 1815-16 (silver)
MMM5470478 Pocket watch, with dedication engraved on the lid, 1815-16 (silver); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Pocket watch)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Pocket watch, which belonged to Vice Admiral Thomas Masterman Hardy and given to Emma Hamilton

Pocket watch, which belonged to Vice Admiral Thomas Masterman Hardy and given to Emma Hamilton, 1826-27 (silver)
MMM5470472 Pocket watch, which belonged to Vice Admiral Thomas Masterman Hardy and given to Emma Hamilton, 1826-27 (silver); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Pocket watch)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Watch by John Harrison (1683-1776) that allowed him to develop his H3 chronometer project

Watch by John Harrison (1683-1776) that allowed him to develop his H3 chronometer project, completed in 1759
MMM5476643 Watch by John Harrison (1683-1776) that allowed him to develop his H3 chronometer project, completed in 1759 by Harrison, John (1693-1776); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageClock Making Collection: Maritime instrument: H3 marine chronometer, made by John Harrison (1693-1776) between 1740-59

Maritime instrument: H3 marine chronometer, made by John Harrison (1693-1776) between 1740-59, in England
MMM5477812 Maritime instrument: H3 marine chronometer, made by John Harrison (1693-1776) between 1740-59, in England. by Harrison, John (1693-1776); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageClock Making Collection: First H1 marine chronometer, made by John Harrison (1693-1776) between 1730-35, in England

First H1 marine chronometer, made by John Harrison (1693-1776) between 1730-35, in England
MMM5476584 First H1 marine chronometer, made by John Harrison (1693-1776) between 1730-35, in England by Harrison, John (1693-1776); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageClock Making Collection: Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century

Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century
7301618 Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century. by Galle, Philip (1537-1612) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century

Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century
7301615 Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century. by Galle, Philip (1537-1612) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century)

Background imageClock Making Collection: New Homeowners, large family at the the table drinking tea in their new house

New Homeowners, large family at the the table drinking tea in their new house, beg 20th century (oil on wood)
FIA5368815 New Homeowners, large family at the the table drinking tea in their new house, beg 20th century (oil on wood) by Bogdanov-Belsky

Background imageClock Making Collection: Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (coloured engraving)

Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (coloured engraving)
1729051 Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (coloured engraving) by Bayard, Emile Antoine (1837-91) (after); (add.info)

Background imageClock Making Collection: 'Les joueurs de dames'Groupe de bourgeois russes dans un interieur

"Les joueurs de dames"Groupe de bourgeois russes dans un interieur
FIA5365310 " Les joueurs de dames" Groupe de bourgeois russes dans un interieur. Peinture d Ivan Stepanovich Doshchennikov (1812-1893) 1840-1850 State Art Gallery, Perm

Background imageClock Making Collection: Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Brucelles; Spring nippers; Federzange (engraving)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Brucelles; Spring nippers; Federzange (engraving)
7195065 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Brucelles; Spring nippers; Federzange (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Brucelles; Spring nippers; Federzange)

Background imageClock Making Collection: 'Nature morte a l horloge'(Still life with a clock) Pendule, cruche, coquillages, noix

"Nature morte a l horloge"(Still life with a clock) Pendule, cruche, coquillages, noix, verre en cristal
FIA5326494 " Nature morte a l horloge" (Still life with a clock) Pendule, cruche, coquillages, noix, verre en cristal

Background imageClock Making Collection: Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Horloger; Clockmaker; Uhrmacher (engraving)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Horloger; Clockmaker; Uhrmacher (engraving)
7196355 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Horloger; Clockmaker; Uhrmacher (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Horloger; Clockmaker; Uhrmacher)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Dial of the clock of the Cathedral Santa maria del Fiore in Florence

Dial of the clock of the Cathedral Santa maria del Fiore in Florence
BAT5469263 Dial of the clock of the Cathedral Santa maria del Fiore in Florence by Uccello, Paolo (1397-1475); Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

Background imageClock Making Collection: Advertising for fob watches, Comptoir General d horlogerie, c. 1900 (b / w photo)

Advertising for fob watches, Comptoir General d horlogerie, c. 1900 (b / w photo)
CHT224676 Advertising for fob watches, Comptoir General d horlogerie, c.1900 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Background imageClock Making Collection: Trades in Regency England: Greenland ship to Hull, broad-cloth manufacture and watchmaker

Trades in Regency England: Greenland ship to Hull, broad-cloth manufacture and watchmaker
6340308 Trades in Regency England: Greenland ship to Hull, broad-cloth manufacture and watchmaker by Taylor, Isaac (1730-1807); (add.info.: Trades in Regency England: Greenland ship to Hull)

Background imageClock Making Collection: Dial of the clock of the Cathedral Santa maria del Fiore in Florence

Dial of the clock of the Cathedral Santa maria del Fiore in Florence
BAT5469257 Dial of the clock of the Cathedral Santa maria del Fiore in Florence by Uccello, Paolo (1397-1475); (add.info.: fresco in trompe l oeil); Photo eNicol Orsi Battaglini; Italian

Background imageClock Making Collection: Nicholas Kratzer, German astronomer

Nicholas Kratzer, German astronomer
Nicholas Kratzer (c.1487-1550), German astronomer, mathematician and horologist, surrounded by scientific instruments. Kratzer arrived in England in 1516



For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Clock making has a rich history, with its origins tracing back to clock makers in Holland in the late 16th century. These skilled craftsmen dedicated their time and expertise to create intricate timepieces that would stand the test of time. In one painting, we see a glimpse into the lives of new homeowners in the early 20th century. A large family gathers around the table, enjoying a moment of respite while sipping tea in their newly acquired house. Amongst their cherished possessions is an exquisite clock, symbolizing not only their sense of style but also their appreciation for craftsmanship. Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, depicted in a coloured engraving, was not only known as a playwright but also had a passion for horology. His love for clocks led him to become an avid collector and supporter of clock makers during his lifetime. Moving across borders, Ivan Stepanovich Doshchennikov's painting captures a group of bourgeois Russians engrossed in playing checkers within an interior adorned with various objects. Among them stands an elegant clock - perhaps serving as both decoration and reminder of the passing hours. The world is filled with specialized tools and techniques. Engravings from "Le Vocabulaire Illustre" showcase instruments such as Brucelles (spring nippers) and Federzange (spring pliers), essential for precise assembly by skilled horologists. Antonio de Pereda y Salgado's still life painting portrays more than just objects; it tells a story through symbolism. Alongside beautiful shells, nuts, and crystal glassware rests an intricately designed pendulum clock - representing the fleeting nature of time itself. The dial on the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore's grand clock serves as both functional instrument and architectural masterpiece. Its presence reminds us that throughout history, clocks have played vital roles beyond mere timekeeping - they have been symbols of power, faith, and community.