Thomas Tompion

Thomas Tompion (* 1638 in Northill, Bedfordshire, † November 20, 1713 in London) was an esteemed by the English royal court and his colleagues highly respected English watchmaker.

Tompion, who has remained very likely single, counted in his family environment unusually more efficient watchmaker. Mention may be made: his nephew Thomas Tompion jun. ( Watchmaker apprenticeship with Charles Kemp ), son of his brother James. In junior sister Elizabeth married George Graham, who had entered the older Thomas business and later his partner was. Thomas sen. Niece Margaret, daughter of his sister Margaret Kent, married the watchmaker Edward Banger. They all worked for a time in alternating with each other. Thomas Tompion was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Tompion strove to manufacture watches as accurately as possible continuous long running time; He also introduced the first factory numbers.

Its special services include:

• The invention of the Sautroghemmung, which was further developed in 1720 by George Graham to the cylinder escapement.
• The introduction of the of the London watchmaker and clergyman Edward Barlow (1636-1716) invented and improved by Daniel Quare rack striking work, with a Schlagrepetition was possible for the first time.
• Longcase clocks indicating the time equation, called Äquationsuhren (excitation probably by Christiaan Huygens ).