London, United Kingdom · 1735–1814
George Prior
Partially verifiedMaker of watches for the Ottoman and Islamic markets
Life & work
Born in 1735 to George Prior and Joane Hare, the horologist served his apprenticeship under his uncle, Thomas Prior.
Upon inheriting his workshop on Prescot Street in 1763, he became a member of the Clockmakers Company. He gained significant professional renown for creating specialized timepieces intended for the Turkish and Islamic markets. Following his death in 1814, his horological manufacturing business was continued by his youngest son, Edward.
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.
Documented works
- Documented examples include a table clock with complex striking mechanisms and an enamel-decorated gold watch with triple cases.
- Additional specimens of his work have been identified within the Major Chamberlain and Dennison collections.
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
No firm, model or movement in this encyclopedia is yet recorded under this maker's name.
In the object catalogue
3 catalogued objects are recorded under George Prior. Attributions are as given by each source and are not independent authentication.
- Bracket clock by George PriorBracket clock · ca. 1800
- George Prior Triple-Case Verge Pocket Watch for the Ottoman MarketVerge fusee pocket watch · 1804
- George Prior verge repeating pocket watchMinute repeating pocket watch · 1750-1800
Diagram
Sources & references
- Prior, George (2)/de, Watch-Wiki, retrieved 2026-11-03
- Prior, George (1), Watch-Wiki, retrieved 2026-11-03
Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.