Richard Colston

Richard Colston was the son of John Colston, also a clockmaker. Richard was a clock and watchmaker, his output included watches, long case, spring and lantern clocks. He was admitted to the Clockmakers’ Company on 3^rdJuly 1682.

Colston was probably the originator of the fashion for having letters of the owner’s name placed on a watch dial instead of the normal hour numerals. Two such Colston watches have been recorded, one in silver pair cases from about 1695 and the other in a gold case from about 1690.

In common with many of his contemporaries, Richard Colston, while being a fine craftsman, must have been a poor businessman. In the London Gazette of 16^thMay, 1720 it is recorded that he was made bankrupt.

References :

Brian Loomes. Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World (NAG Press, 2006).

R. K. Foulkes AHS Vol 1 Bulletin March 1953, page 3