Charles Frodsham, the founder of the company, was the son of William Frodsham an established London clockmaker. Charles was born on the 15^th April 1810 and at the age of 14 he was apprenticed to his father for seven years. At twenty, Charles distinguished himself by submitting one of his first marine chronometers to the Premium trials at Greenwich Observatory, receiving the second prize of £170. In 1834 he was made a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Shortly after and doubtless encouraged by his recent successes, Charles ventured out on his own establishing his business in London.

Charles gained an enviable reputation for the manufacture of precision timekeepers, both as a supplier of marine chronometers to the Admiralty, and as provider of fine watches and regulators to discerning clients worldwide.

In 1854 the firm was granted the Royal Warrant and made keeper of Her Majesty’s clocks. For over 125 years Charles Frodsham & Co. were responsible for the maintenance of the Royal clocks and remained the last independent clockmakers permitted to have workshops in Buckingham Palace.

Throughout the second half of the 19^th Century the firm of Charles Frodsham exhibited at all the major International Exhibitions – including, Paris, Philadelphia, Sydney and the Great Exhibition of 1851 at Crystal Palace, where a first class medal was received. In all, Frodshams obtained fourteen medals and diplomas.

From 1850 the majority of the finest Frodsham watches were distinguished with the code AD fmsz. Many of these pieces were sent to Kew Observatory for rigorous timing tests, attaining consistently high marks, with one tourbillon watch holding the record in 1906 with a mark of 93.9.

Charles Frodsham

The coded letters AD Fmsz can be seen on the dials and back plates of the majority of Frodsham watches. This code corresponds to 1850, the year Charles produced his new caliper watch, and was used thereafter as a sign of high quality.

1850 – 1860 from approximately No. 01000 – 02000
1860 – 1865 from approximately No. 02000 – 03000
1865 – 1870 from approximately No. 03000 – 04000
1870 – 1875 from approximately No. 04000 – 05500
 

High Quality watch from Charles Frodsham with the sort after Serial No AD.FMSZ 03398, all thick, heavy 18k Solid Gold pocket watch, running strong and keeping good time.

The Case –

Stamped on the inside rear cover, assay office of London 1866, 18k Gold, the case makers initials JWS, who will be James Walter Stock, 19, Green Terrace, New River Head, Clerkenwell, London, on swinging the movement out from the front, the inner case is stamped the same with the number 03398, engine turned design on the rear cover, coin edge, rubbing at the bottom hinge, firm Bow, case back with small inscription, which isn’t clear. The Case is in excellent condition. All hinged covers snap firmly into place. It measures 21/8” in diameter x ½”, weighs a heavy 2.2 ounce’s

The Movement –

Frosted gilt finished Lever with Diamond end stone, 3/4 plate, Liverpool windows, bi-metallic compensation balance with blued steel spiral spring with overcoil, Solid Gold screws in balance wheel, wound and set from a key in the rear of the case, the movement is engraved, Chas Frodsham 84, Strand, London with the number 03398 AD.FMSZ, tying it to the case and Dial , it goes full term and has just been fully serviced. A key will be supplied.

The Dial –

Crisp white, black Roman numerals, sub seconds, up/down power reserve at 12, fitted with blue steel hands, just above the centre of the dial it has Charles Frodsham 03398 AD.Fmsz The dial is in excellent condition.

The Crystal –

 Is in excellent condition.

Overall –

This would make the proud centre piece of any collection

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