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The Encyclopedia of Horology

London, Britain · Dates not established

F. Perigal

Partially verified

Watch and clockmakers to the King

Life & work

The Perigal business originated in 1740 when the first Francis Perigal established himself at the Royal Exchange.

Subsequent generations of the family continued the trade, with the second Francis Perigal beginning his apprenticeship in 1748. The firm, which later held appointments as Clock and Watch Makers to the Prince of Wales, maintained premises on Bond Street. Following the death of Francis Perigal in 1817, the business was eventually assumed by John Duterrau’s son.

The fuller biography summarises the open references listed under Sources; each statement was checked against the cited passage. Confirm key dates in period documents before relying on them.

Training, contributions & innovations

  • The partnership of Perigal and Duterrau was officially recognized as Clock Makers to the King in 1820.

Documented works

  • The British Museum holds a quarter-repeating watch signed by the partnership of Perigal and Duterrau.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art displays a quarter-repeating watch featuring a movement signed 'Fras Perigal London' and serial number 17389.

Collecting significance

The catalogued pieces listed on this page show the kinds of objects auction houses, dealers and museums attribute to this maker; each attribution is the source's own.

Firms, key models & movements

Famous objects

In the object catalogue

2 catalogued objects are recorded under F. Perigal. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.

  • The figured mahogany table clock by Perigal, featuring a break-arch top, brass mounts, and a silvered dial with Strike/Silent selection.
  • The English gold and enamel chatelaine watch with its integrated accessory set.

Sources & references

  1. quarter-repeating watch | British Museum, British Museum, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  2. Collections Online | British Museum, British Museum, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)
  3. Movement by Francis Perigal - Repeating watch - British, London, for Turkish market - The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, retrieved 2026-11-03 (paraphrased; text © the publisher)

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.