A reference site for mechanical industrial time recorders
This website has been conceived to help document and provide information about the mechanical time recorders used in offices and factories throughout the United Kingdom, from the late 1800s to the 1970s.
On this site, you will find descriptions of the various models made, inventors’ patents, information on manufacturers, and photographed examples of a range of time recorders throughout history. Please check the Site Updates page for notifications of newly added or updated content, and browse through our FAQs for answers to some of the questions you may have.
The earliest record of the invention of a workers’ time recorder I have dates to 1855, when a GB patent was granted to John Adams of Northampton, England for a time check machine. This patent is available via the Patents page – thanks to Bob Simon (USA) for sourcing and sending me a copy.
As far as I can establish, the first time recorders manufactured and used in the UK were by Llewellin’s Machine Company (1883), the Brook Time Check Company (1889) and Stockall Time Recorders (1901). Time recorders manufactured in the USA by the Bundy Manufacturing Company and Dey Time Registers were first imported into the UK in the 1890s, then from 1902 by the International Time Recording Company, which continued to manufacture and supply USA-made clocks to the UK throughout the century.
Two other UK manufacturers formed in the early 1900s to compete with ITR; National Time Recorder Company and Gledhill-Brook Time Recorders. Many of the USA- and UK-made clock models were re-badged by large distributors and service companies such as Blick Time Recorders, British Time Recorders, and the General Signal & Time Systems Company (Gensign).
More information on these manufacturers can be found under the Companies link at the top of this page.
I have collected and restored many of the clocks pictured here, and gathered other information along the way. This site’s content is by no means complete, and I value any contributions to fill in the gaps (and to correct any errors!).
Please send any information, pictures, or enquiries you may have to clockinfo@workclocks.co.uk, or visit the About WorkClocks page for more information.
