February 2, 2017
The Derek Pratt Frodsham H4 Watch
Roger Stevenson FBHI
For our February meeting we are delighted to welcome Roger Stevenson FBHI.
After a six year apprenticeship, Roger worked for The Chronometer Section at Herstmonceux before moving to The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, as Senior Conservation Officer responsible for the horological collections. After a number of years as an independent watch and chronometer repairer he joined the Frodsham team undertaking antique restoration and the development of a new wrist watch. He was also closely involved in the completion of Derek Pratt’s H4 project.
When still a boy Derek visited the Science Museum in London and was fascinated to see Harrison’s H2. Later he read Gould’s “The Marine Chronometer, its history and development” and went on to attend The National School of Horology in combination with an apprenticeship with S. Smith and Sons. Around 1997 Derek decided to make his own copy of H4 as a tribute to Harrison and also as a an in-depth study of the timekeeper. Derek was well qualified to undertake this challenge and with his friendly approach he enlisted the help of other talented people including the late Martin Matthews who made the case. Sadly, Derek was not able to finish his H4 but had asked Charles Frodsham and Co. to complete the project.
Roger’s talk including the showing of the film produced by Barbara Darby is an account of the project from conception to completion. Roger will also be bringing along a number of the special tools made by Frodsham’s to complete the watch.
This evening will present a unique opportunity to meet and discuss the details of this memorable project with one of the key people directly involved in its completion.
Monthly branch meetings are normally held at the The White Hart Barn in Godstone
THE WHITE HART BARN
(Godstone Village Hall)
GODSTONE
SURREY RH9 8DU
7.30 pm for 8.00 pm Start