The oldest known Basel pocket watch was made around 1640 by Hans Mettler.
In the 2nd half of the 17th century and well into the 18th century, Basel watchmaking was of national importance. It was dominated by the names Enderlin and Bury for several generations. The fact that Leonhard I Bury (1633-1706) did not tolerate any competition forced even his two sons to leave Basel. Johann Jakob III moved to Paris for good in 1686 and Leonhard II to London from 1698 to 1705.
The Enderlin clocks exhibited here come almost exclusively from the workshops of the four sons of Johann Jacob I (1628-1699), who himself is not verifiably represented in the collection. Abraham Enderlin, son of Andreas I, represents the successor generation.

from left to right: