Visit to the Greenwich Observatory, the prime meridian and "home" of GMT

Jun 24, 2018,15:25 PM
 

Dear fellow Purists,

this summer I plan to travel to London with my son who just turned 20 this month.
As I infected him with the watch bug some time ago, he also read the very enjoyable book from Dava Zobel: "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time"
 (the lone genius being the master watchmaker John Harrison, en.wikipedia.org
Ever since my son read the book, he wanted to go to Greenwich Observatory where a number of Harrison´s original naval chronometers are on exhibition.

I wonder whether someone has already been there and would be willing to share some hints and ideas concerning this "father-and-son" getaway (is there a London watch road or quarter (something like the Savile Row for watch nuts) or other watch-/time-related places worth while seeing like e.g. the National Maritime Museum?).

Any suggestions or experiences will be very welcome!

Thanks to everybody for their insights!

Kind regards

anaesdoc




  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

London

 
 By: Tiggermelad : June 24th, 2018-15:59
I don’t know anything about London watch shops but the most pleasant way to get to Greenwich is by boat from Westminster pier. It is definitely worth a visit.

Observatory is a great day out

 
 By: jml_watches : June 24th, 2018-17:26
Hi As has already been suggested - go on the boat, its a great way to see London. There's also the Cutty Sark near the observatory too. I went a couple of years ago - its a great place to visit - lots of watches and its interesting to see that there have ... 

New Bond St & Burligton Arcade as mentioned above - just up the road in Soho is the French House for an early dinner in a historically bohemic and no-tech rule pub, and Ronnie Scotts for music.

 
 By: nomadgiles : June 25th, 2018-02:16
Also try the Royal Exchange at Bank (10 mins east on the Central line) has a number of AD's & independents, plus a nice place for lunch. The Science Museum (south of Hyde Park) has the Clock-maker's exhibition too. Have a great trip. G.

The Science Museum is an absolute must for a watch enthusiast.

 
 By: brandon1 : June 25th, 2018-13:36
The collection used to be housed in a section of the Guildhall, but it was expanded when moved to the Science Museum. There is a section devoted to modern British horology (Daniels, Smith, Pratt, Frodsham) that is incredible. Also worth a visit is the Ilb... 

I would go to Selfridges and also Harrods; both have interesting watch salons

 
 By: cazalea : June 25th, 2018-08:32
here's one report: www.watchprosite.com and if you can't find 10 things you want desperately to eat for lunch / dinner in the Harrods food hall, you are already dead! While in transit from A-B keep your eyes open for Cheers, Mike ...  

As mentioned.

 
 By: 41northpole : June 25th, 2018-16:16
Science Museum also now has the prototype 'Long Now' clock there, so well worth look Marcus is no longer a shop on Bond Street as they ere planning some other method of sales, but I don't know what As mentioned Watched of Switzerland on Regent Street is H...