Clockmakers' Museum Marks George Daniels' 100th Birthday with Horology Display
Born in London in 1926, George Daniels is celebrated as the foremost watchmaker of the 20th century. To honor his centenary, the Clockmakers' Museum at the Science Museum has launched a new exhibition. A self-taught craftsman, he left the army in 1947 to pursue horology while employed by a London watchmaker. In the 1960s, he restored Harrison's H5 and authored 'The Art of Breguet' in 1975. Daniels handcrafted 23 complete pocket watches, emphasizing the importance of form and function. He innovated the escapement with his co-axial design, which Omega adopted after 25 years. His passions also included classic cars and photography. Today, his legacy is carried on by Roger W. Smith and Charles Frodsham & Co. The exhibit is accessible daily from 10.00 to 18.00.
Key facts
- George Daniels was born in London in 1926 and died in 2011.
- He is regarded by many as the greatest watchmaker of the 20th century.
- After leaving the army in 1947, he used savings from repairing watches, cameras and typewriters to fund his horological training.
- He studied Abraham-Louis Breguet for 15 years and published 'The Art of Breguet' in 1975.
- He made his first handmade pocket watch in 1969 and completed 23 in total.
- He developed the co-axial escapement, which Omega adopted after 25 years of development.
- He published 'Watchmaking' in 1981, describing how to make every component of a mechanical watch.
- A display at the Clockmakers' Museum at the Science Museum marks his 100th birthday.
- His legacy includes a Trust supporting students in engineering, medicine, construction and horology.
Entities
Artists
- George Daniels
- John Arnold
- John Harrison
- Abraham-Louis Breguet
- Roger W. Smith
Institutions
- Clockmakers' Museum
- Science Museum
- Omega
- Smiths
- Charles Frodsham & Co.
- Leica
- Basle Fair
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Basle
- Switzerland