Thomas Tompion, No. 137. A William and Mary ebony veneered quarter repeating table clock, with alarm, London, circa 1690

Christie's, London, 4th July 1990, lot 105.

The Golden Age of Clockmaking

The years 1650 to 1750 are widely regarded as the golden age of English clockmaking. Closely controlled by the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, the city’s horological workshops produced some of the finest clocks ever made. The square mile contained many innovative and exceptional makers but, most famous of all was Thomas Tompion. Born in relative obscurity in Bedfordshire in 1639, Tompion, the son of a blacksmith, moved to London in circa 1670 and rapidly made a name for himself in watch and clockmaking circles. Indeed, it was the extremely fine quality of his work that saw him associating with the most famous scientists of the day and eventually brought him to the attention of King Charles II. From circa 1680, Tompion began numbering his clocks and watches, a series which continued long after his death with his business partner and eventual successor, George Graham. Thomas Tompion became Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1703 and died in 1713.

This sale include three clocks formerly in the collection of Manny Davidson, who certainly understood and appreciated the wonderful quality of the work by clockmakers such as Tompion. Spanning the heart of the Golden Age, these clocks epitomise the very finest horological craftsmanship of the period and perfectly demonstrate how technical innovation and aesthetics can be combined. Alongside the clocks by Tompion, there are fine examples, by other important London makers, that were especially selected for their rare silver mounts or other unique features. Of particular note is the quarter striking table clock by Joseph Knibb, an important and innovative maker.