American Clock and Watch Museum

The American Clock and Watch Museum is located in Bristol, Connecticut and offers an opportunity to learn about clocks, watches and the history of clock making in the area. The museum and research library are located in the historic home of Miles Lewis, built in 1801. The house is surrounded by the sundial garden, featuring a variety of flowers and herbs. The museum features a variety of timepieces on display, ranging from wrist and pocket watches right up to large grandfather clocks. Everywhere you move through the museum is the mechanic ticking of time. A favorite display among visitors is the two-story clock tower that demonstrates the inner-operations of a clock. The museum is home to more than 1,500 total clocks and watches. The collection includes blinking-eye clocks, railroad clocks, punch clocks and more. The museum offers docent led tours of the collection, so visitors can learn as they explore the collection. The museum is a popular destination for field trips and also offers research opportunities for those who wish to learn more about clockwork history. Kids are treated to an orientation session and a tour of the museum that takes about an hour and a half. The trip can be combined with a visit to the New England Carousel Museum, the Barnes Nature Center or the Imagine Nation Museum.