British Horological Institute

27/08/2024

Star of the small screen…
The Museum of Timekeeping at Upton Hall near Newark will be featured in an upcoming episode of Bargain Hunt on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 2 September 2024.

22/07/2024

The Museum of Timekeeping is delighted to announce the extension of its crowdfunding campaign to restore the iconic Courtauld Bell, now running until August 21, 2024. This extended period allows even more history enthusiasts to participate in this significant preservation effort. The Courtauld Bell stands as a proud symbol of our community’s rich heritage, and this campaign offers a unique opportunity for supporters to contribute to its restoration and ensure its legacy for future generations.

The Museum's team has been overwhelmed by the generous support and enthusiasm shown so far. Every contribution, whether large or small, brings them one step closer to hearing the Courtauld Bell ring once more.

In addition to preserving history, donors can enjoy unique rewards. These range from exclusive tours to special recognition in the museum, making each donation a meaningful way to become part of this significant project.

Help the Museum of Timekeeping raise £18,000 to restore the Gillet & Johnston Turret Clock, Nuneaton's 'Big Ben', reconnecting their community with its rich heritage.

29/05/2024

Ruth Belville who died in 1943 was the last of the Belville time sellers.

For over 100 years one of the family would sell the 'correct' time around London.

Each day Ruth would visit the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, set her Arnold watch and then for a fee would allow people to set their clock's time by her watch.

A fellow of the British Horological Institute Donald De Carle, met and interviewed Ruth Belville in 1939.

Read the full story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4nn7gew9zxo

13/04/2024

This month we feature Stuart Malin and R. J. Dickens’ study, ‘How Many Days in an Egyptian Year? Evidence from the Antikythera Mechanism’.

Also in this issue, read about the launch of a new online museum, clocktime.co.uk, by Dr. John C. Taylor, discover the incredible working life of Keith Scobie-youngs FBHI ACR, see what happened at Inhorgenta Munich 2024 with Martin Foster FBHI, as well as hands-on practical articles, news and more.

Anyone can join the BHI and receive the Horological Journal every month. See bio for details.

12/04/2024

Come along to Upton Hall and find out with a fun and informative taster day with our professional tutors.

You don’t need any experience or prior knowledge – simply turn up, learn from the best and get some hands-on experience of timepieces.

The courses also includes a brief history of horology, demonstrations and information about how timepieces are maintained and cleaned.

Whether you just fancy learning about this fascinating subject or are thinking about getting started with a career (the work’s out there!)… we’d love to see you.

It’s a great day, open to everyone and a chance to meet and chat with fellow students and experts in a relaxed informative environment at Upton Hall, home also of the Museum of Timekeeping and it’s exclusive collection of clocks and watches.

To register your interest contact Donna Millichamp (Membership and Short Courses) - Details on the BHI website.

12/04/2024

Horology symposium: a resilient future for watch and clock making

Hosted by Heritage Crafts and the Museum of Timekeeping,
Upton Hall, Friday 26 April 2024

How do we ensure a resilient future for watch and clock makers and related horological crafts? Watch and clock making are listed as endangered on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, but we are also aware that there is a need for additional research and data on this complex and diverse sector.

Hosted by Heritage Crafts and the Museum of Timekeeping at Upton Hall, and supported by the BHI and its members, ‘Horology Symposium: A Resilient Future for Watch and Clock Making’ serves as a platform for traditional makers, restorers, conservators and sector organisations to discuss how we can improve and promote opportunities, and ensure that skills and knowledge are passed on to the next generation.

Attendees will be able to learn from leading experts in the field of horology as they share insights into the craftsmanship, the cultural importance of traditional timekeeping, and the future of the sector. Demonstrations and activities in Upton Hall’s workshops will be run by the C&M Group as well as members of the BHI, and a panel of industry experts and makers will also examine the threats facing horology and discuss strategies for its conservation and revitalisation. In addition, guests will be given a curated tour of the Museum of Timekeeping.

Mary Lewis

Speakers and panellists include: Andrew Canter MBHI, Daniel Carpenter, Dr Robert Finnigan, Lewis Heath, Justin Koullapis FBHI and Mary Lewis

The event will run from 10am to 4pm on Friday 26 April at the Museum of Timekeeping, Upton Hall, Newark, NG23 5TE. It is free to attend and includes a light lunch and refreshments.

For further details on the event visit the Museum of Timekeeping and BHI websites.

11/03/2024

The Horology Symposium: A Resilient Future for Watch and Clock Making will be held on Friday 26th April, hosted by Heritage Crafts and the Museum of Timekeeping. The event runs from 10am to 4pm at the Museum of Timekeeping, Upton Hall, Newark-on-Trent, NG23 5TE. Please book your FREE place here:

On 26 April we will be bringing together traditional makers, restorers, conservators and sector organisations to discuss how we can improve and promote opportunities for upcoming watch and clock makers, and ensure that skills and knowledge are passed on to the next generation.

07/03/2024

Service & Correcting Faults - Striking Clock Course - SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!

8-12 April, Upton Hall, Newark, UK

Tutor: Paul Roberson FBHI

The course as described by BHI student Dirk Bister (HJ, May 2022): “The course gave us the opportunity to test our theoretical and practical knowledge of two-train clock movements. Paul Roberson, who has more than 40 years of watch and clockmaking experience, guided us expertly and very patiently through the theory and practical exercises.”

Note for those BHI students doing exams: This course includes servicing preparation for DLC Level 3 Exam Unit D3 Clock.

There are still places available on this course, but numbers are limited. Contact us to book your place.

BHI courses are available to all our members. Membership is available to everyone worldwide. For more information about all the benefits of joining the BHI including receiving the Horological Journal each month, see the BHI website (www.bhi.co.uk).

05/03/2024

The Clocktime Digital Museum launches on Tuesday 12th March. For a preview visit

Clocktime Interactive Museum

01/03/2024

In this month's HJ we look ahead to British Watchmakers’ Day on 9 March, with one of the event’s exhibitors, Schofield Watch Company, featured on the covers with their new limited-edition general purpose field watch.

Also in this issue, Ben Tubbing describes a pendulum with parametric excitation, we preview the Micro Mechanics - Making a Winding Stem course and Tim Turney continues his series describing the making of his unusual gravity escapement clock.

Visit the BHI website to download the Article of the Month for free and see other articles in the archive.

Anyone can join the BHI and receive the Horological Journal every month. For details visit www.bhi.co.uk

01/03/2024

The International Watch Company, Schaffhausen – History and Watches: A Collector’s View

This new BHI book is now available to buy. The title is a compilation of articles on the subject of IWC and its watches that have been published in the HJ since 2007 by a group of authors, including Adrian van der Meijden, Hans Goerter, Thomas Koenig and others. The material has been freshly typeset and bound as a 120-page book in seven stitched sections with soft cover drawn on.

The retail price is £23 plus p&p (BHI members: £18 plus p&p). Supplies are limited and about half the print run has already been sold.

Purchase your copy here: https://bhi.co.uk/about-us/iwcbook/

19/02/2024

Polishing Bluing & Silvering - SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!

5-6 March, Upton Hall, Newark, UK

Tutor: John Reynolds FBHI

Essential repair, restoration and finishing techniques for all watch and clockmakers and particularly for all Level 3, 4 and 5 BHI DLC Students.
Steel preparation, heat treatment, finishing and bluing components. Characteristics of different types of brass, tools and equipment required to cut and polish while maintaining sharp edges. Includes the use of burnishers. Safe removal of old silver and wax. Silvering techniques, lacquering and types of protective coatings considered. Includes preparation for Exam Units D5, D7, D9, D10, D13, D14, D19.

There are still palces available on this course, but numbers are limited. Contact us to book your place (links in bio).

BHI courses are available to all our members. Membership is available to everyone worldwide. For more information about all the benefits of joining the BHI including receiving the Horological Journal each month, see links in bio or the BHI website.

06/02/2024

Micro Mechanics: Making a Balance Staff Course - SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!

14-16 February, Upton Hall, Newark, UK

Tutor: James Welbourne FBHI

The balance staff and winding stem are, perhaps, the most common items routinely made and fitted to older watches. The skills you will learn on this course also apply to clocks with platform escapements.

The course builds on previous courses on the making of small components, using the watch makers lathe, the Jacot tool, gravers and similar small hand tools.

Students must have successfully completed the BHI course ‘Watchmakers Lathe and Graver Turning’ or have equivalent training.

There are still places available on this course, but numbers are limited. Contact us to book your place (links in bio).

BHI courses are available to all our members. Membership is available to everyone worldwide. For more information about all the benefits of joining the BHI including receiving the Horological Journal each month, see links in bio or the BHI website.

02/02/2024

Joseph Cooper recently attended two BHI courses, ‘Hand and Machine Skills including Workshop Safety’ and ‘Small Lathe and Skills Development’, both with tutor John Reynolds FBHI. The full report of his experience features in February 2024’s Horological Journal (HJ).

Who is Joseph Cooper you might ask? In his own words:

“I am an aspiring watchmaker from Cambridgeshire. I first took an interest in watch repair during the COVID-19 pandemic, having plenty of spare time and taking inspiration from hobbyist watch repairers on YouTube.
“I initially started it as a hobby, having some success getting non running watches that I bought off eBay working again. However, I wanted to further my education in the subject but was unaware of the BHI at the time. So, I took an online course that started off my want and need for improvement in my horological skills.
“After deciding that watch servicing and repair was what I wanted to do full time, I started studying with the BHI with the aim to become a qualified watchmaker, hopefully before my 30th birthday.
“I have also started my own YouTube channel (JosephCooperWatchRepair) to document some of the watches I have serviced and raise awareness of watchmaking as a British industry.”

The BHI team says thanks for sharing your experience and we wish you all the best with your future studies, hopefully see you again soon!

01/02/2024

This month, in February’s HJ, we celebrate the achievements of our students at our Awards Day, including the presentation of two BHI Barrett Silver Medals.

Also in this edition, Tim Turney begins his series detailing the making of his unusual gravity escapement clock (shown here on the cover). BHI student Joseph Cooper shares his experience attending two short courses at Upton Hall and Mike Flannery tells all about a recent clock repair.

Anyone can join the BHI and receive the Horological Journal every month. See the BHI website for details and to read the Article of the Month for free.

30/01/2024

The new course list and calendar for 2024 is now available on the BHI website (see the BHI website for details: https://bhi.co.uk/training-education/short-courses).

Whatever level you’re currently at, from beginners to professional, we have a course and learning pathway to help you reach your goals in horology.

All the staff, tutors and fellow students are here to support you every step of the way, take a look, book a course or get in touch if you want to talk through your options.

31/07/2023

Fall Back Show at the Museum of Timekeeping

29 October 2023

Put the date in your diary! More news on the day’s events at Upton Hall coming soon.

The Museum of Timekeeping looks after a fascinating collection of clocks, watches and other timepieces, exploring the story of timekeeping past, present and future.

09/05/2023

Museum of Timekeeping Summer Show

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June 2023

10am to 4pm

(Museum also open to visitors on Friday 16 June, 11am to 3pm)

Upton Hall, Newark, Nottinghamshire

Entrance costs £10 per adult, children are free; BHI Members £4.

Visitors can see the workshops in action and explore the Museum’s exhibitions, plus a range of other activities.

Highlights include:
• A series of talks hosted by Rebecca Struthers
• Science demonstrations by Alom Shaha (aimed at children and their families)
• Get up close and personal with items in the Museum’s collection not usually available for public viewing

Find out more at www.museumoftimekeeping.org.uk

The Museum of Timekeeping looks after a fascinating collection of clocks, watches and other timepieces, exploring the story of timekeeping past, present and future.

21/03/2023

Tickets are now available for a Book Launch and Author Talk with Watchmaker and Historian Rebecca Struthers…

Date: 26 April 2023
Time: 7pm–8.30pm
Location: The Museum of Timekeeping, Upton Hall

Join watchmaker and historian Rebecca Struthers at the Museum of Timekeeping for the UK launch of her new book Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History of Time. For this event, Rebecca will offer an intricate and uniquely personal history of timekeeping that spans centuries and continents. You will have the opportunity to buy a copy of the book before its publication on 27 April, as well as the chance to see one of the watches featured in Hands of Time – Captain Scott’s pocket watch.

Ticket prices:
• Talk (book included): £25
• Talk (book included) Friends of the Museum or BHI Member: £20
• Talk (book not included): £10
• Talk (book not included) Friends of the Museum or BHI Member: £6
• Signed book (not coming in person to the event): £20

All profits from the event will go to the care of the collection at the Museum of Timekeeping. Find out more at www.museumoftimekeeping.org.uk

The Museum of Timekeeping looks after a fascinating collection of clocks, watches and other timepieces, exploring the story of timekeeping past, present and future.

10/03/2023

There are just a few tickets left for the Turret Clock Group’s Vale of Glamorgan tour from Friday 24th to Saturday 25th March 2023.
The tour consists of visits to several clocks, including the ones in Barry, LLantwit Major, Hensol and Cardiff Castles. The price for the tour itself is £60 per person and you can book your place by following the EventBrite link here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tcg-vale-of-glamorgan-tour-tickets-526453977017?keep_tld=

Turret Clock Group Tour of the Vale of Glamorgan

20/02/2023

The BHI Cheltenham Branch have announced they'll be hosting a talk by Keith Scobie-Youngs on the ‘Restoration of Big Ben’ on the evening of March 8th. The talk starts at 7.30pm at the Parklands Community Centre, Wyman’s Road, Cheltenham GL52 5PR. For details email [email protected]

15/02/2023

The countdown is on to the The WatchIt! Watch Fair, which comes to Nuthurst Grange Country House Hotel in Warwickshire this Saturday February 18th, from 11am to 5pm. Find out more and see all the brands attending at https://12and60.com/watchit/

WatchIt! Watch Fair is a one-day event in the heart of the U.K, where you can handle and talk watches in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

24/01/2023

A note from the South London Branch: as of now, meetings will revert to the first Thursday of the month, at the White Hart Barn (Godstone Village Hall), Godstone, Surrey RH9 8DU – with the exception of the 4th May; this meeting will be held at Soper Hall (details nearer the date). All meetings 7.30pm for an 8pm start; please see events page on the BHI website for updates.

19/01/2023

The WatchIt! Watch Fair comes to Nuthurst Grange Country House Hotel in Warwickshire on Saturday February 18th, from 11am to 5pm. Find out more and see all the brands attending at https://12and60.com/watchit/

PLUS! If you would like to have a table at the event there are five left (a 6ft trestle table and white tablecloth). See the website for details.

WatchIt! Watch Fair is a one-day event in the heart of the U.K, where you can handle and talk watches in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

30/11/2022

Join Manchester Clock Club on January 9th at their usual venue – Marple Library. To join the mailing list and for further details please contact Derek McComiskey on [email protected]

03/11/2022

A new book - The International Watch Company, Schaffhausen. History and Watches: A Collector’s View - is now available to buy. The title is a compilation of articles on the subject of IWC and its watches that have been published in the HJ since 2007 by a group of authors, including Adrian van der Meijden, Hans Goerter, Thomas Koenig and others. The material has been freshly typeset and bound as a 120-page book. The retail price is £23 plus p&p, but the book is offered to BHI members at £18 plus p&p. To find out more and to buy a copy please contact Isabel Derrick, call 01636 817610, or email [email protected]

01/11/2022

The bells of the Elizabeth Tower – including Big Ben – will return to regular service from 11am on Remembrance Sunday (13 November), with testing of Big Ben and the quarter bells commencing from 8 November. Live audio and video feeds of Big Ben’s strikes will be streamed on the UK Parliament social media channels.

09/09/2022

Her Majesty The Queen

1926 - 2022

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Here at the BHI we are grateful to Her Majesty for a lifetime of devoted service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

04/09/2022

A quick reminder that the Turret Clock Forum will be held this Wednesday (7 September) at Upton Hall, from 10am. Speakers include Chris McKay and Keith Scobie-Youngs. For tickets see https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ahs-turret-clock-forum-tickets-334424702287

The AHS Turret clock Group is holding a Turret clock forum on Wednesday 7th September 2022

31/08/2022

Following the summer break, Oxford Branch's next meeting on 27 September will be 'Ivan Trotter: Balance staff making'. Ivan will not be at the meeting, but the Branch will run his presentation. As usual the venue is The Minstrels Gallery at 'The Crown & Thistle Hotel', 18 Bridge Street, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3JD at 7.30 for an 8pm start.