Charles Frodsham 18ct yellow gold hunter case minute repeater pocketwatch. Made 1885

Charles Frodsham was the son of William James Frodsham. It seemed that the young man had picked up this family trait for horology when at the tender age of twenty he distinguished himself by submitting one of his first marine chronometers to the Premium trials at Greenwich Observatory. Soon after, he was made fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

‘Charles Frodsham & Co’ was founded in 1843 in central London after taking over the clockmakers ‘Arnold & Co’ at 84 Strand, London. Here Charles Frodsham built a renowned and well-respected business that in 1854 was granted the Royal Warrant and made keeper of Her Majesty’s clocks, an honour the company still holds today.

From the latter half of the nineteenth century onwards, Frodsham pieces have been exhibited all over the world. His double-escapement skeleton clock manufactured for the Great Exhibition in 1851 is still considered unique.

‘Charles Frodsham & Co’ is now located in St James's, London and Simon Frodsham, the great-great-great nephew of the founder, still sits on the board of the company.