Inspired by Thomas Tompion (1639-1713)

The Past Meets the Present

Thomas Tompion, the Father of English Clockmaking, was a pioneer in the watch world of history. He made big changes to how watches work and influenced many modern designs. We are passionate about Tompion's watches, so we created a new collection to honor his legacy. Our new watches blend classic style with modern features, carrying on Tompion's traditions.

THOMAS TOMPION (1639–1713), English clockmaker

The Father of English Clockmaking

Thomas Tompion was born in Bedfordshire in 1639, the son of a local blacksmith. As he grew up, he learned valuable metalworking skills, which he later used in clock-making. Tompion helped improved timekeeping and created new ways to make time more accurate. His ideas set new standards for how clocks and watches should be made. One of his big inventions was fitting clock mechanisms into small pocket watches. His timepieces were so beautiful that kings, queens, and nobles wanted his creations. He also made special clocks as diplomatic gifts for important occasions. During his life, Tompion produced about 700 clocks and 5,500 watches. Over time, Thomas Tompion became a symbol of luxury and elegance in the world of clocks and watches.

  • © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

    Tompion’s Early Balance Spring Watch with Regulator in 1670s. He invented the balance spring that allowed watches to be smaller and more accurate.

  • © London Remembers

    A plaque on Fleet Street in London remembers Thomas Tompion for his great work in making watches.

  • Tompion Cottage, is located in Ickwell, Bedfordshire. Tompion spent his early years as a blacksmith. It is now a designated national heritage site.

A Mordern Tribute to Tompion

Thomas Tompion was a great inventor who made amazing new clocks. Our new watches are like his famous Regulator clock from 1670. They blend old-fashioned style with new technology. These watches are a tribute to Tompion's work and show how watchmaking has changed over time.

Each watch features fully automatic, self-winding movements and sophisticated high-horology complications: Open Apertures, Visible Balance Wheels, full Skeletons with double-faced cases and Moon-Phase mechanisms.

The dials, reminiscent of Tompion's notable works like the 'minute pocket watch' and the iconic 'Regulator' Grandfather clock, showcase fine guilloche patterns in silver, gold, and black. Intricate details include laser-cut, brushed, and polished steel frameworks, complemented by applied baton indexes or diamonds on square cushions for hour-markers.

We are proud to bring you these modern timepieces that carry on Thomas Tompion's legacy. We hope these watches become a lasting part of your own story.

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