His maker's voice - Matthew King The Clocktime team had the pleasure of speaking to Malvern-based horologist Matthew King about his passion for clocks. He runs a highly specialised business with the imaginative name of Time Traveller Clocks. He is a trade member of the British Watch and Clockmakers Alliance and is featured on their informative website. His passion for clocks started over 40 years ago when he first worked alongside John Kendall in Surrey. Through working closely with him in the workshops for two decades, he received a thorough education in all aspects of furniture and clock case work, from the 17th century onwards. After John’s retirement he continued to build on the success of the businesses. Matthew explained that typically, dynamic objects such as antique clocks, vintage race cars and sailing ships deteriorate and wear over time. These precious objects need to safely perform their original function. If too fragile, then conservation for static display only is a likely option. Creating an accurate working replica is one way of providing all the function of the original. A replica is also an opportunity to provide a glimpse into history when the item was originally made and brand new. This may be done to complement the original pieces that need to be conserved, stabilised and remain not restored. In addition, a replica can provide an insight into the original methods of manufacture. It also informs us about the performance of the original item and can provide new data which may not currently exist on an historic object. By doing so, Matthew creates time travel of a unique kind. We asked the master technician what needs to be done to attract new generations to clock and watchmaking. “A more technical curriculum in schools would provide opportunities for students to explore a higher level of training and greater competency at an earlier stage to make trades such as watch and clockmaking a more attractive and viable option.” He has produced a very interesting educational video on the subject. You can contact him here for more details. Matthew is also writing a book – Clocking On with John Harrison - about the legendary, self-taught clockmaker’s wooden clocks made between 1713 and 1728. It will be a record of Matthew’s hands on experiences with original clocks and the making of their replicas. This gives him many unique insights into the manufacture and function of the original clocks. He will also document precise data on the functions of the 300-year-old clocks and connect them to the present day. This is significant as Harrison’s clocks are the ancestors of the modern-day wristwatch. This historic book will be published in 2026 by Ingrams.
