William Hughes is recorded as being in business at High Holborn, London from 1766 and is particularly known for the watches and clocks that he supplied for the Far East market. Working outside the City of London he was able to trade without being a member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers but he was obviously highly regarded by the Company and was made an honorary Freeman in 1781. He took a number of apprentices, including Thomas Earnshaw the famous chronometer maker, who succeeded him in business at 119 High Holborn on his retirement in 1784. William Hughes died in 1792.

This attractive clock bears all of the hallmarks of one of the slightly earlier clocks made for the Chinese market in the third quarter of the 18th century. The enamel dial with centre seconds and a rear-wound movement, all essential features of such clocks, combine seamlessly with a very European automaton scene in the arch of the dial plate. The case, in this instance, is almost pure English neo-classicism except that it is executed entirely in gilt-brass, specifically for its intended market. Of small scale, this charming piece provides a transitional snapshot in the development of English musical automaton clocks for the Chinese market