Inspiration | Five Facts About Clocks and Pocket Watches

Five Facts About Carriage Clocks and Pocket Watches

“Clockmakers have been employed by the Royal Household for centuries, and it is a privilege to continue that tradition and to get to work with this extraordinary collection every day.”

- Tjeerd Bakker, Senior Horological Conservator

1. The History of Time Pieces

Carriage clocks were developed in early nineteenth-century France. Specially designed for travelling, their cases typically had a carrying handle for transportation. Rather than a pendulum mechanism, which could be damaged during travel, the clocks have a robust spring-driven lever escapement, which moves the hands at a steady rate.

When timepieces became small enough to be carried, they became known as ‘pocket watches’. They were mostly owned by gentry and royalty and became a desirable status symbol. Covers were fitted to either side of the watch, to protect the glass and dial during use during activies like horse riding. 

Pocket watches continued to be fashionable up until the First World War when they were replaced by the wristwatch, popularised by soldiers in the trenches. 

2. Clocks In the Royal Collection

There are over 1600 timepieces in the Royal Collection. This includes 450 at Windsor Castle, 350 at the London residences of His Majesty The King and 50 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse that need to be changed at each clock change in March and October.

Each clock change a busy team of three Horological Conservators will work through the weekend spending 30 hours adjusting the clocks at Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

3. Mappin & Webb

In 1897, their 250th year, Mappin & Webb were first granted Royal Warrant as Silversmiths during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In May 2024 they were again appointed a Royal Warrant Holder to His Majesty the King as jewellers, goldsmiths and silversmiths. Several Mappin & Webb peices of silver work can be found within the Royal Collection and work alongside us to supply exclusive Carriage Clocks and Pocket Watches for our customers.

4. Caring for Your Time Pieces

Pocket watches are delicate and should be handled with care, as they can be easily damaged or corroded by water. When not in use, store them in a safe or jewellery box - ideally in a cool, dark place with stable temperature and low humidity. If any issues arise, have them assessed and repaired by a reputable watchmaker.

When handling carriage clocks, support it from underneath to avoid pressure on the glass, and wipe off any fingerprints afterward. Keep the clock on a level surface, away from direct sunlight, heat, or extreme temperatures, as these can affect both the case and the movement. For cleaning, avoid abrasives; a light dusting with a lint-free cloth will do. To ensure long-term performance, have the clock cleaned and lubricated every three years by a qualified clockmaker.

5. Changing the Time

For Pocket Watches, take care not to overwind the watch, as a full wind lasts approximately 24 hours. To change the time, gently pull the winder out to its stop position and turn it until the hands are set to the correct time.

The time on a carriage clock can be adjusted using the escapement lever, but a running-in period of 3–4 weeks should be allowed before making any changes. Moving the lever to the left will slow the clock, while moving it to the right will speed it up. Only a slight movement is required — 1mm of adjustment alters the timing by approximately one minute per day. After making an adjustment, monitor the clock over several days before making further changes.

To adjust the hands, use the smaller end of the key, which can be turned both clockwise and anti-clockwise. When setting the time, move the minute hand five minutes past the desired time, then gently return it to the correct position. This slight backward movement helps the wheel train mesh correctly. Take care not to move the escapement lever while adjusting the hand