Kendall: A Brand with a Unique History

In the 18th century, at a time when world maps still had vast unexplored areas, the human desire for adventure was more vibrant than ever. Captain Cook, an explorer driven by this spirit, embarked on a journey into the unknown and mysterious southern hemisphere. Cook was not alone; his loyal companion was a watch created by the English watchmaker Larcum Kendall, which proved essential to his mission. This instrument, along with the sextant, allowed Cook to map lands never seen before and to define meridians with reference to Greenwich.

The marine chronometer K1, designed by Larcum Kendall in 1742 to solve the problem of determining longitude at sea, was one of the first precision marine chronometers and significantly contributed to mapping the entire southern hemisphere.

Here are the words of Captain James Cook about the watch designed by Larcum Kendall:

"Mr. Kendall’s watch exceeded the expectations of its most zealous advocates and has been our faithful guide through all vicissitudes of climate." "Mr. Kendall’s watch," my trusted friend," and "never failing guide." - Captain James Cook, 1774.


Kendall: The World's First Watch Brand

1742
L.Kendall

England​

1753
Vacheron Constantin

Switzerland​

1775

Breguet

France​

1833
Jaeger Lecoultre

Switzerland​

1847
Patek Philippe

Switzerland​

1848
Cartier

France​

1848
Omega

Switzerland​

1874
Piaget

Switzerland​

1875
Audemars Piguet

Switzerland​

1905
Rolex (Wilsdorf & Davies)

England​