José R. Losada (1801-1870) José Rodríguez Losada was born in Iruela, province of León (Spain), on March 19, 1801. In his youth he spends some time at the court of Madrid. He left Spain for political reasons and travelled to England to work for James Moore before establishing himself first near Euston Road in London. In 1835, Losada opened up a grand showroom at 105, Regent Street. Losada produced a number of high-quality chronometers and watches, that he sold at home as well as to Spain, South America or Philippines. Losada never cut his ties with his native Spain and when he won a prize in 1864, he supplied 36 chronometers to the Spanish government through the Royal Observatory at Cadiz. The Horological Journal of 1878 reported that these were “very fine clocks and almost every conceivable variety of complicated watches and repeater, perpetual calendars and chronographs, and some exceptionally good chronometers, fine watches, astronomical and carriage clocks”. For merit in his art he was awarded the Cross of Comendador de Número of the Order of Charles III and the Order of Isabella the Catholic by Queen Isabella II. Losada died in London on March 6, 1870, but his business continued to operate at Regent Street until about 1890 by his nephews José and Miguel Rodriguez de Riego. Without a royal warrant in England, Losada nonetheless described himself on his trade card as “Maker to all the crowned heads of Europe”. David Glasgow, author of the well-known and valuable treatise, Watch and Clock Making (London, Cassell & Company Ltd., 1885 & 1887) spent a part of his career working for Losada. Philibert Perret Very little is known about this Genevan manufacturer, active in the third quarter of the 19th century, who produced pocket chronometers with fusee and chain, detent escapement and compensated crank (offset arms) balance with an unusual anti-tripping device. He seems to be the son of Gustave Perret, a watchmaker mentioned in Geneva circa 1810. His watches are made in the taste of the Spanish and South American market.