When researching a clock or watchmaker previously recorded documentation is consulted, but more often than not no information can be found. This may be because of many factors, for example, few surviving examples of their work or a short working career. The following includes information found on clockmakers previously unrecorded and researched by us plus details of their work that has passed through our hands.

At the bottom of the page I have listed some useful sites and books should you wish to carry out your own research. It helps if you can roughly date the clock or timepiece and its place of origin, this at least gives you a starting point.

Andrew Taylor Espie son of Sarah Peace and William Espie a ships carpenter, was born 8 Nov 1846 in Greenock, Lanark. He married Annie Hunter Wilson on 31 Dec 1869 in the District of Anderston in the Burgh of Glasgow. In the 1881 census Espie was listed as a watchmaker.

Mahogany longcase with white circular dial

August Auer was born in 1842 , the son of a locksmith. In 1872 he married Catherine Schuler. At the time of his marriage his occupation was listed as Watch & Clockmaker. He died in 1886 aged 44 at the Old Bridge of Don by drowning. At the time of his death his occupation was listed as watchmaker and jeweller of Upper Kirkgate, Aberdeen

Large (32”) wall dial fusee dated 1875.

David Mudie of Forfar recorded as watchmaker in 1807 (from the Angus Archives)

8 day automaton longcase (circa 1780),

Robert Ross of Glasgow, listed as a dealer in watches at 109 Argyle Street Glasgow in 1871

Drumhead mahogany longcase with 12 inch white painted circular dial

Other sources of helpful information include Books such as:

Brittens Old clocks and Watchs and their makers

Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World Vol 2 by Brian Loomes

Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World by G. H. Baillie

Plus, numerous books listing clockmakers of Scotland and by English county.

Kelly’s and Pigots Trade Directories

The National Archives

Historical Clock and Research Archive library, www.clockswatches.com/liba-d.htm.

Genealogy sites are extremly useful tools, and I found many of the Scottish makers through the excellent website 'Scotlands people'.