The Great Exhibition's Display of Timeless Clocks, Chronometers, and Watches

Created by Christianna Poblete on Mon, 02/17/2025 - 22:41

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At the Great Exhibition's conclusion, over 100 copies of the four-volume 'Reports by the Juries' were distributed to foreign governments and notable participants. The reports consist of the juries' comments and assessments of the works displayed in the exhibition. The idea and decision to illustrate the reports with photographs is attributed to Prince Albert (1819-61). These items were also presented to Queen Victoria. Within these items held what was seen as Britain's newest advancements in technology and innovation, including the presentation of a plethora of Clocks and Watches. Although clocks and watches may seem to have one purpose, the Great Exhibition emphasized just how versatile and creative their functions can be. 

Today, clocks and watches have evolved into something commonplace; however, their use is undeniably timeless. From your sleep schedule to the invention of completing any cellular task from a small screen on your wrist, clocks and watches have only grown in necessity, their appearance shapeshifting with the times. While some may think clocks and watches are used simply to tell the time, the Great Exhibition highlighted the newest innovations from different countries, creating chronometers and other styles of clocks to keep track of the date, time, and even the astrological placement of the sun and other planets. And it could do so no matter the surrounding temperature or pressure of the watch. Not only were these tools for time, but they represented history and art too. With years of effort put into these creations, they were also considered works of art. For example, ties to Roman and Greek inspiration through the statues and engraving adorning them. As a tool that keeps track of history, its various uses and skills have only grown and will continue to evolve for years to come. It is irrefutable that these timepieces are timeless. 

Booth for Clocks, Chronometers, and Watches at our Great Exhibition of 1851, designed by Christianna Poblete, 2025. This booth is constructed with a mix of mediums. From images to fabric, and even a little clock I had fortunately been gifted last semester, the booth highlights the diversity of clocks and watches displayed at the Great Exhibition. The background was created with an AI-generated photo of the Great Exhibition as I wanted to incorporate the beautiful glass structure of the Crystal Palace. I then put in a few characters including Queen Victoria as many of the presented clocks were for her specifically. To accentuate the gold of some of the images I had, I incorporated a gold fabric floor panel, as well as gold pipe cleaners to hang watches from the top of the box. I did this to represent the pocket watch aspect of some of the works that would have been at the exhibit. 

 Clocks, Chandeliers, and Bronzes by Mafiat 1851, photographed by Claude-Marie Ferrier (1811-89), an early French photographer, known for his work at the London Great Exhibition. This photograph is from Volume III (RCIN 2800002) of 'Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851: Reports by the Juries on the Subjects in the Thirty Classes into which the Exhibition was Divided." It showcases works in bronze, including sculptures, alongside clocks, chandeliers, candelabra, candlesticks, stands, and other items. On the lower right side of the photograph is a sword.
 
"Clock in a Case," 1851, by Jacob Loudan, exhibited by Charles Brutton, Proprietor, in The Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue of the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations, Class 10, "Philosophical, Musical, Horological," Vol. I, pp. 413-14. This incredible depiction of "Clock in a Case," showcases the meticulously crafted details that make this clock so unique. Taking 34 years to complete, the manufacturer describes how this specific creation includes Greek and Roman portrayals of Night and Day, incorporating the gods Apollo and Diana within its design. With panoramic movement, the counterpart gods are accompanied by their respective hours, 12 representing the night and 12 representing the day. As bells ring, two figures are seen saluting one another as the gods sit in chariots, drawn by stags or four horses. The manufacturer describes the intricate semicircular plate that acts as an almanac, a tool that can share the day of the week in accordance with its appropriate planet, the leap-year, the day of the month, and the equation of time. The manufacturer describes the two female figures on each side of the dial-plate as "Fame and Terpsichore, which move in time when the organ plays." Taking into account the enormous attention to detail put into this clock, it is understandable why it was on display at the Great Exhibition. 
 
"Assortment of Watches," 1851, by Philippe Pater & Co, (late Patek & Co.), Geneva — Manufacturers and Inventors, in The Official Descriptive Catalogue of the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations, "Foreign States: Switzerland," Vol. 3, pp. 1283-1284. The manufacturer's narrative describes the images on this page as a representation of an "Assortment of Watches" that form a complete collection that was exhibited during the Great Exhibition of 1851. This collection includes watches designed for a wide range of tasks, equipped with modern improvements, various species of ornaments, secret compartments, and extra plates. The display had plain watches, repeaters, self-acting clock-work watches, and tac’ watches. Tac' watches were intended for the blind that had independent second hands and date hands. Some watches had insulated sea-compasses and spy-glasses. Some interesting watches had what was called "á triple effect" and were capable of being transformed into three different shapes. This page also presents the smallest watch ever constructed, shown true to size. This collection contains common and repeating chronometers, tested and provided with official certificates from astronomical observatories. The description within the catalog details how most of these watches were wound and set without a key by their exhibitors, this way they could work with any watch. This invention was not only convenient but also improved the longevity of the watches by eliminating the necessity of opening them. This excludes any possibility of air, dust, or oil from deteriorating it from the inside out. The display was created to show the wide range of the watches, from simple to meticulously detailed, meant for jewelry to machines. This is visible in the differing faces and flower engraved cases. 
 
"Chronometer Repeater," In London, 1851, Alex Watkins 67, Strand, Inventor and Maker of Chronometers Extraordinary. Class 10-No. 85a. Currently displayed in the Science Museum: Clockmakers' Museum Gallery in London, England. This particular chronometer is showcased with four images to show the multiple features of this one timepiece. This includes the watch face, the watch case, the mechanics within it, and finally the outer box. The manufacturer's narrative within the Science Museum website describes that this watch was made for the Great Exhibition of 1851, held at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park. The inscription printed on silk inside the outer box reads "GRAND EXHIBITION OF ALL NATIONS." The piece comes in a mahogany outer box with a case lid lined in silk, a display of innovation and class. The gold watch case is beautifully engraved with what looks like floral patterns, a centered sun, and a blank shield. It has a four-colored gold dial, a day-of-the-month dial, as well as steel hands. The result of eight years of labor, it tracks an eight-day duration striking the hours and chiming with bells of 5 repeated songs on the quarter marks of the days. The backplate is engraved and signed "Alexr. Watkins, City Road 1851. London". Clockmakers' Museum No. 449. This chronometer can also show the day of the month and equalize extreme temperatures. 

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Part of Group:

Victorian Literature and Culture, EN 352, Skidmore College

Featured in Exhibit: 

Our Great Exhibition of 1851

Image Date: 

19th century