Charles Frodsham, Precise Time: Two Centuries in the Making celebrates one of Britain’s great horological names.
The Clockmakers’ Museum, housed at the Science Museum in South Kensington is launching its nexttemporary display, showcasing extraordinary objects from public and private horological collections. The latest display in the series, titled Charles Frodsham, Precise Time: Two Centuries in the Making, will open to the public on the 9th of March 2026. It will explore the company’s important role in meeting society’s evolving need for precision timekeeping from the 19th century to the present day.
Founded in 1834, Charles Frodsham emerged at a moment when Britain’s expanding railways, industry and global exploration demanded greater accuracy in time measurement. Over nearly two centuries, the firm has earned an international reputation for producing chronometers, regulators and fine watches and clocks. Today, it continues to combine innovation with traditional craftsmanship most notably through the development of its Double Impulse Chronometer wristwatch.
This new display brings together historic instruments, archival material and modern horology to tell the story of how one company helped shape the way the world keeps time. Highlights include a record-holding watch tested at Kew Observatory, Admiralty-issued marine chronometers used on naval and scientific voyages, and the Diamond Jubilee table clock made for Queen Elizabeth II. From the Great Exhibition of 1851 onward, Charles Frodsham was internationally recognised for technical excellence. He exhibited widely, served as a juror at major exhibitions, and was awarded 12 exhibition medals.
In the 21st century, the company undertook an ambitious horological project: adapting the double impulse chronometer escapement – originally developed by George Daniels and inspired by Breguet – into a wristwatch format. The resulting Double Impulse Chronometer wristwatch represents a rare combination of traditional handcraft skills and contemporary engineering. Part of the display will highlight the making of these wristwatches in the company’s English workshop by its small team of watchmakers.
The Clockmakers’ Museum already features a world-class collection of clocks, watches and horological artefacts with the clear aim to promote the subject of horology to as wide an audience as possible and inspire the next generation of clock and watchmakers.
“This display uses examples from Charles Frodsham & Co.’s output to explore how time has shaped our world over the last two centuries. As the world’s longest continuously trading chronometer manufacturer, it’s a pleasure to showcase the work of the company’s watchmakers today, who are helping to preserve heritage skills for the future, together with pieces that trace the company’s almost 200-year history.”
Anna Rolls, Curator, Clockmakers’ Museum and Archive
Charles Frodsham, Precise Time: Two Centuries in the Making opens on the 9th of March 2026 in the Clockmakers’ Museum at the Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
All images are courtesy of © Charles Frodsham & Co Ltd.