Kitcatt Nohr Digitas

Long before the advertising, design and architecture industries discovered Clerkenwell, the area was known as a major centre for clockmakers. Many streets were almost wholly occupied by workmen engaged in the various subdivisions of the trade, such as escapement makers, engine turners, fusee cutters, springers, finishers etc.  There are still a couple of second hand watch dealers and repairers. And reminders of the area’s glorious past are apparent whenever you take a  stroll around the area and look up. A selection of some of the finer examples appear below...

If you’re interested in finding out more, the Guildhall in the City of London houses what is considered by many to be one of the finest collections of clocks, watches and sundials in the world, the collection of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. It includes the celebrated 5th marine timekeeper made by John Harrison, completed in 1770.