About
The Clockmakers' Museum houses one of the oldest and most important collections of clocks, watches, and timekeeping instruments in the world. Established in 1813 by the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, this remarkable collection spans five centuries of horological innovation, from medieval timekeepers to precision chronometers.
Now housed in the Science Museum, the collection includes over 1,000 timepieces showcasing the artistry and technical mastery of British clockmaking.
Highlights include marine chronometers used for navigation at sea, exquisite pocket watches worn by royalty and nobility, elaborate clocks from guild halls and churches, and examples of groundbreaking technical innovations.
Visitors can see John Harrison's first marine timekeeper (H1), elaborate astronomical clocks, skeleton clocks revealing their intricate mechanisms, and watches owned by historical figures.
The collection tells the story of how accurate timekeeping revolutionized navigation, science, industry, and daily life.
Beautiful enamel work, gilded cases, and intricate mechanisms make this a feast for both technical and aesthetic appreciation.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Wednesday, Thursday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday, School holidays
💡 Weekday mornings before Science Museum gets busy
💡 Visitor Tips
- Located within the Science Museum - allow time for both
- Free entry makes this an unmissable attraction for horology enthusiasts
- The collection is beautifully displayed with excellent lighting to see details
- Look closely at the enamel work and engraving - extraordinary craftsmanship
- Many clocks still tick - listen to the symphony of timepieces
- Perfect to combine with V&A's jewelry galleries for more decorative arts
- Photography allowed but no flash - the cases are well lit for photos
Highlights
John Harrison's H1
Harrison's first marine timekeeper (1730s), a revolutionary clock that helped solve the longitude problem. This extraordinary mechanism enabled accurate navigation at sea, saving countless lives and transforming global exploration and trade.
Marine Chronometers
Precision timepieces used for naval navigation, showing how accurate timekeeping at sea enabled ships to calculate longitude. These instruments were vital for Britain's maritime dominance.
Pocket Watches Collection
Exquisite pocket watches from the 17th to 20th centuries, including pieces owned by royalty and nobility. Beautiful enamel decoration, intricate mechanisms, and precious materials showcase watchmaking as both art and science.
Skeleton Clocks
Clocks with transparent or minimal cases revealing their complete working mechanisms. These Victorian marvels celebrate the beauty of precision engineering and allow viewers to see every wheel and spring in motion.
Collections
Over 1,000 items spanning from 15th to 21st century including pocket watches, wristwatches, marine chronometers, domestic clocks, tower clocks, astronomical clocks, watchmaking tools, portraits of clockmakers, and horological manuscripts. Strengths include British clockmaking (especially London makers), marine timekeepers, elaborate decorative clocks, and technical innovations.
The collection documents the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and major figures in British horology.
The Clockmakers' Museum
Main display of historic timepieces and horological innovations
📍 Science Museum Level 3
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.
