STORY KANNAN CHANDRAN
(1715-1794) THE English watch industry may not have much of a presence in the global mechanical watch marketplace compared to the Swiss, but the English have played an instrumental role as pacesetters of the horological world. They were late to wind their way into an industry dominated by Germany and France, but the persecution of Huguenot craftsmen had led to several skilled men making their way into England.
By 1670, England was in a position to influence the world of watch making. The invention of the balance spring improved accuracy, and variations like the sun and moon dial marked the dawn of a new era.
Decorative watches were still meant only for a few, and pieces by George Graham found appreciative audiences among influential circles.
In the 18th century, many English watches were often forged on the Continent, falsely signed 'Tompion', 'Quare' and 'Graham' among others, with names purposely mis-spelt. Although they contained cheap movements, there was obviously respect for the brands. Graham was the building block upon which Thomas Mudge developed his reputation as a watchmaker.
Born in 1715 in Exeter, Devon, Mudge was entering an age of discovery just as architectural and mechanical awareness were slowly heralding new discoveries. After an apprenticeship with celebrated clock, watch and instrument maker, George Graham, at the Clockmakers' Company, London, Mudge struck out on his own in 1751.
In his Fleet Street premises, Dial And One Crown, Mudge's genius came to the fore. He took on Matthew Dutton, another of Graham's apprentices, and together, the firm Mudge & Dutton made top-quality watches and clocks that secured them a place in history.
Mudge's individual pieces have become particularly noteworthy. As a renowned clock-, chrono- and watchmaker, Mudge put his skills to developing his first lever escapement, which controls the rate at which the gear wheels turn, hence ensuring a regular speed.
His experimental table clock had a balance-controlled lever escapement which could function at sea as well as provide a lunar indication, making it the most accurate timepiece using mechanical gearing. This was proven by astronomer James Ferguson towards the end of the 18th century, when he found Mudge's work to be within 0.2 seconds per lunar calendar.
Mudge had originally intended this experimental clock as a submission to the Board of Longitude for the Longitude Prize, but figured it wasn't good enough. Pity, since it's still the second-most accurate clock to date.
His escapement only made it to a small number of machines, including a watch made for Queen Charlotte (the watch required only winding once a year, and has resided with the royal family who can recount nearly everyone who has wound the timepiece); a larger piece, Mudge Blue; and the Mudge Green.
A miniature travelling clock he made is thought to be the second to contain his escapement. It works for eight days on one wind, strikes the hours and sounds the last hour and quarter at the pull of a cord.
Mudge was the first to use stones for pallets and impulse pins, and from 1771 put his mind to developing the chronometer. His initial efforts paid off when, in 1774, his submission to the Committee of the House of Commons won him a princely sum of £3,000.
Mudge opted to leave the Fleet Street business to William Dutton, and spent his time in Plymouth, developing a series of marine timekeepers.
Mudge was appointed Clockmaker to George III in 1776, and passed away on 14 November 1794.
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