Why don't we talk more about ...... Ellicott?
Currently based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Ellicott watch brand traces its origins to 17th century. The Ellicott Company could proudly point to its own traditions in as much as John Ellicott (1706 – 1772), the founder’s son, had been appointed Clockmaker to King George III. Four consecutive generations of the Ellicott family, worked for excellence.
Most famous creations from this prestigious horology firm are the Centre second and the Compensated pendulum. A few rare fob-watches of that time are still celebrated nowadays by an audience of informed collectors and experts.
The most famous watch maker from this family was John Ellicott II (1706 – 1772). On October 26th, 1738, John Ellicott was elected Fellow of the Royal Society. The Royal society was founded in 1660 by a group of 12 in order to create a College for the « Promoting of physico-mathematical experimental learning ». They were to meet weekly to witness experiments and discuss scientific topics. Among the most famous members, we can quote Isaac Newton and William James Frodsham.
Gold Pair Cased Cylinder Watch Signed Ellicott London, 1778
John Ellicott’s footprint was left in English watchmaking’s history, becoming one of the greatest watchmakers. In 1752 he invented a compensated pendulum, and then adopts the cylinder escapement of George Graham, making this system popular. He created a pocket watch with a stop second system and designed public clocks, such as the London Hospital’s.
John Ellicott was established at 17 Sweeting’s Alley, Royal Exchange. Gaining great reputation for the beauty and excellence of his workmanship, he was appointed to His Majesty George III. The mechanical pocket watches manufactured by Ellicott London were highly appreciated by elite clientele and royal families.
Today, Ellicott SA is a Swiss watch manufacturer, reviving Ellicott’s London spirit. In 2013, the brand celebrated the 275th anniversary of the admission of John Ellicott in the Royal Society.
It is in the cradle of the Swiss Jura that Pierre-André Finazzi, fortified by his experience in watchmaking and jewellery, revived the spirit of the British firm with the foundation of Ellicott SA in 2002.
Having a passion for the Italian « quattrocento » period and degrees in fine arts and architecture and in project management, it is in the position of jeweller and designer that Pierre-André Finazzi cooperated with prestigious brands such as Patek Philippe, Corum or Mont Blanc to name just a few. He devised and designed mechanisms notably for the brand Graham 1695 within which he was since 1995 co-founder in charge of the design, the marketing and of the collections production.
My name is Rich and I am building a collection of unique complications. I know it sounds more like the way you start a watch museum and not a personal collection. So far I have a Tourbillion, Retrogra...
I don't talk about them because ,up until 5 minutes ago, I had never heard of them.
Way out of my price range and not my style at all.
Is there any real connection between the Swiss corporation and the original Ellicott firm in London? (Like @foghorn I had never heard of them.)
You guys get points for honesty but this is another one of the early companies from the 1700s. Unfortunately it's prominence hasn't been strong enough for us to know of them.
I assume that like many companies we discuss, that sometime after the 4th generation of family ownership, they may have had to cease business and then the name reemerges in the heart of Swiss watchmaking with unrelated ownership and all we can do is hope that they keep the company true to the mission.
Never heard of them as well, but the Graham connection makes sense given the last picture. Well done.
They have been around for a while...It is no more than an empty name, revived to give a backstory to a designer, and has no connection is spirit, content or purpose to the original company. Graham ditto....!