John Ellicott and the Royal Society: The birth of a legend

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.

On October 26^th, 1738, John Ellicott is elected Fellow of the Royal Society.

« A person well acquainted with the principles of Astronomy and experimental philosophy, very ingenious in contriving and improving useful instruments to promote natural knowledge, being desirous of becoming a fellow of the Royal Society is recommended as a person well qualified for that purpose by us » say John Eames, Hans Sloane, Stephen Hales, John Machin, Martin Folkes, Edward Wilmot, John Senex and John Hadley (copy of the original document attached).

His most prestigious inventions

John Ellicott’s footprint was left in English watchmaking’s history, becoming one of the greatest kingdom’s watchmaker. 

In 1752 he invents a compensated pendulum, then adopts the cylinder escapement of George Graham, making this system popular. 

He created a pocket watch with a stop second system and drawed public clocks, such as the London Hospital’

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.

Today, Ellicott SA is a Swiss watch manufacturer, reviving Ellicott’s London spirit.

To celebrate the 275th anniversary of the admission of John Ellicott in the Royal Society, we honour this master watchmaker with an inspiring creation, the ROYAL SKELETON.

A Baselworld 2013 world premiere!