Sterling silver lever pocket watch, made by Thomas & John Ollivant, Manchester, around 1851.

From the 1840s, makers began to develop ways to mass produce clocks and watches, making them more affordable. More people were able to own a timepiece. In the industrial city of Manchester, where time was money, keeping time was very important. It meant goods were delivered on time, workers turned up to work puctually and the factory steam engine was powered up ready for the start of the working day.

Square box for sterling silver lever pocket watch, made by Thomas & John Ollivant, Manchester, around 1851.