Charles Frodsham
Charles Frodsham is a London chronometer and watchmaking firm founded by horologist Charles Frodsham (1810 to 1871). It makes high-end watches and clocks from premises in St James's and a workshop in East Sussex.
| Founder | Charles Frodsham (1810 to 1871) |
|---|---|
| Incorporated | 1893 |
| Showroom | 32 Bury Street, St James's, London |
| Workshop | East Sussex |
| Website | frodsham.com |
What is Charles Frodsham?
Charles Frodsham & Co is a British horological firm described as the longest continuously trading chronometer manufacturer in the world. It has retail premises at 32 Bury Street, St James's, London, and a manufacturing and conservation workshop in East Sussex.
History
Founder Charles Frodsham (1810 to 1871) was the son of chronometer maker William James Frodsham and set up his own business at Finsbury Pavement. He succeeded Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy as Superintendent and Keeper of Her Majesty's Clocks at Buckingham Palace. The firm traded as Charles Frodsham & Co from 1884 and was incorporated in 1893.
Products and positioning
Historically the firm made:
- Marine chronometers
- Pocket watches, including tourbillon and Karrusel watches
- Domestic clocks
- Sidereal regulators for observatories
In January 2018, after sixteen years of development, it launched a chronometer wristwatch that was the first to use the George Daniels double-impulse escapement.
Why it matters
Charles Frodsham links nineteenth century British precision timekeeping with contemporary independent watchmaking, keeping a historic name active in high horology.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Charles Frodsham?
Charles Frodsham was an English horologist (1810 to 1871) who founded the firm and served as Keeper of Her Majesty's Clocks at Buckingham Palace.
Does Charles Frodsham still make watches?
Yes, the firm still trades from St James's, London, and in 2018 launched a chronometer wristwatch with the George Daniels double-impulse escapement.