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Social and Industrial History

Social and Industrial History

Watches

Explore our fine collection of Coventry-made clocks and watches.

The first watch and clock maker in Coventry was Samuel Watson, who was sheriff of Coventry in the 1680s. He was one of the most famous clockmakers in England and made clocks for King Charles II and Sir Isaac Newton. We have two of Watson's clocks in the collection.

The main period of watchmaking in Coventry was from the 1740s up to about 1920. During this period Coventry was one of the main centres of watchmaking in England and several thousand people were employed in the industry.

The Herbert's collection includes around 150 pocket watches. These include a selection of early watches by makers such as Samuel Vale and Rotherham and Sons. We also have a good collection of watchmaking tools, including items from the Player family's watch dial painting workshops and the Traherne case making workshop.