Jean Francois Hobler

Jean Francois Hobler was born in Morges, Vaud, Switzerland in February 1727. Having migrated from Switzerland to London in the early to mid 1700s, John Francis Hobler (as he was commonly known) married Charlotte Elizabeth Claudon, circa 1753.

A watch and clock maker based in Soho Square, he worked with his son Jean Paul Hobler. The Hobler & Son workshop was based in Porter Street in Newport Market. Their watches were renowned for the blending of Huguenot silver techniques with traditional watchmaking. A popular middle class accessory, Hobler watches were also exported to America and the East Indies.

John Francis Hobler and wife Charlotte had four children of whom two were well known throughout London aristocracy. Youngest son, James Francis Helvetius Hobler was the Principal Clerk to the Lord Mayors of London for more than 50 years. James Francis Hobler is mentioned in the writings of Charles Dickens and George Augustus Sala. Eldest son, Jean Paul Hobler was a respected alto tenor who gave grand performances at Westminster Abbey, the Drury Lane Theatre and Coleman's Theatre.

Jean Francis Hobler died 25 June 1794 in St Anne, Soho, London, England.

References

The Clockmakers' Museum, Guildhall, Aldermanbury, London ENG.

Wakefield's Merchant and Tradesman's General Directory for London (1790)

Baillie, G. H. (1929) Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World; Hobler, Paul. London. 1770 CC. 1781-90. (gold striking watch); Hobler, Francis. London (Porter St.) an. 1761-90.

External links

* [http://www.hobler.vintagekin.net/hoblerwatches.htm Time Pieces made by Hobler & Son]