Watch, pocket chronometer

This pocket watch was sold by James Cox, an entrepreneur who worked in a variety of trades in the City of London. Cox rarely made his own watches and the movement of this one does not bear his signature.

Cox began his career as a goldsmith and jeweller at a shop in Raquet Court, Fleet Street. After his first business partnership ended in bankruptcy he established a clock and watch making business at 103 Shoe Lane. There he specialised in musical automata known as 'Sing Songs' for export to China. Cox was able to sell his wares in China and India through officers of the East India Company.

Cox initially met with considerable success with sales in excess of £550, 000. However, in 1772 Cox found himself once again in financial difficulties and opened a museum at Spring Gardens, Charing Cross, to publicise his export wares. The museum became a fashionable attraction and received Samuel Johnson and Fanny Burney as visitors. Despite Cox's flare for publicity he was declared bankrupt once again in 1778.