The museum collection comprises of approximately 8,000 – 10,000 clocks, watches and other timepieces, tools, instruments, photographs and archives containing over 5,000- 6,000 valuable documents, plus a library containing approximately 4,000- 5,000 books.

The collection has its origins in the foundation of the British Horological Institute (BHI) in 1858, when members of the Institute began collecting clocks, watches and other timepieces and artefacts to support the education of clock and watchmakers. From minuscule mechanisms and precision engineering to colossal constructions and atomic devices, the many highlights of this collection include the first successful electric timepiece, the personal watch of Captain R.F. Scot, clocks that were made as early as the 17th century, plus examples of all four British speaking clocks.

At present there is a large-scale project to create an inventory which fully documents and catalogues the collection. Due to the historic nature of the collection and varied standards of collections documentation and paperwork utilised over time, this is complex project is likely to take some years to complete. In the long run this will help improve access to the collection and also support new ways of using the collection in exhibitions, events and wider activities.