Saturday 10 July 2021

Notoriety Lends Interest

Back in 2015 I wrote about the Turpins and their watchmaking.

At that time I had been unable to find any examples of Benjamin Turpin's work.  A movement has now however turned up with Pete at Cogs and Pieces, (an excellent watch dealer in my experience, offering good value for money).

Well worth a look, I feel, especially as the Turpin's story is an interesting one, with plenty of scandal and intrigue.




Thursday 8 July 2021

Good but Poor (?)

Just published, (July 2021 issue) in Clocks magazine, is my feature on Johann Ulrich.

Ulrich  is of interest in genealogical terms since both his father and grandfather were watchmakers - initially in Denmark and then Germany before settling in London - but I have focused in the article on his apparent obsession with obtaining patents.  It would seem that this diverted most of his attention away from the basic conduct of his business, resulting in a lifetime of relative poverty.  On the other hand, his innovative expertise enabled the creation of some unusual and attractive timepieces, such as this chronometer, made while he was in partnership with Joseph Croucher:


The quality of Ulrich's work is indicated by the fact that this chronometer is in the collection of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.


Clocks magazine is available here.