Antique Scottish Clocks

An early 19th Century eight-day rosewood bracket clock by Bryson - Edinburgh, a notable figure in the history of Edinburgh's clock making heritage. The arch top and brass bezel enclose a silvered dial with time indicated by blued steel hands. The mechanism is expertly made and built to last, featuring 5 spoked wheelwork throughout. The escapement is of very fine dead beat recoil hybrid construction. 

Robert Bryson was a widely respected clock, watch, and chronometer maker in Edinburgh, starting his business in 1808. Among his many achievements, he crafted a Sidereal clock for Calton Hill Observatory, which highlights the fine craftsmanship of Edinburgh clocks. Robert Bryson also contributed to the founding of Heriot Watt University.

In around 1850, he brought both of his sons into the business and moved premises, trading on Princes Street under what would eventually become part of the Edinburgh clock works. The family enjoyed success in both horological and scientific advances throughout much of the 19th Century and later became absorbed into the firm of Hamilton & Inches.

Price: £4800

BRYSON, ROBERT, F.R.S.E. 66 Princes Street, Edinburgh, 1810-52.

Robert Bryson commenced business first at the Mint, High Street, Edinburgh, in 1810. He became a member of the Hammermen's Incorporation in 1815, paying the entry money and other dues amounting to £70. That same year, he issued an advertisement announcing his relocation to a commodious house at No. 5 South Bridge Street, opposite Hunter's Square, where he welcomed patrons who had supported him at the Mint. — Edinburgh Evening Courant, 6th June 1815.

Bryson tenanted the South Bridge location until 1840, during which time he allied closely with Mr. Horner in founding what is now known as Heriot-Watt College, a leading institution in technical education. His commitment to the college's success was evident, as early advertisements indicate he made his place of business an office for enrolling students, significantly contributing to the institution's establishment.

After moving to 66 Princes Street in 1840, he continued to produce work of the highest class. Many of his clocks and watches remain in existence, particularly a splendid sidereal clock he made in 1832 for the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh. This clock was utilized by the late Professor Henderson for his observations and later by Professor C. Piazzi Smyth until 1855, when it was superseded by a new sidereal clock made by Dent of London. The Bryson clock became the property of the city of Edinburgh in 1895 and is still in use today.

Bryson became a member of the Royal Society of Arts, Edinburgh, and his first printed communication in the Transactions of that body was read on December 12, 1842. It included a description and drawing of his apparatus for turning on and shutting off the gas illuminating his translucent dial, for which he was awarded the Society's Honorary Silver Medal.

He passed away on August 8, 1852, at the age of 74, and was interred in the New Calton Burying Ground, Edinburgh. A large and handsome monument records that he was a watchmaker in Edinburgh for nearly fifty years. He was succeeded by his two sons, Alexander and Robert, and the firm became known as Robert Bryson & Sons. While we have not determined the exact year the copartnery was formed, it is clear that these talented men were closely associated with their father long before his death in 1852.