SAN DIEGO – The Jessop Clock, a historic timepiece created by the renowned Jessop family of Point Loma, has a new chapter in its storied legacy thanks to the recent publication of “Timeless Treasures: The Legacy of the Jessop family, Jessop’s Jewelers, and the world-famous Jessop Clock.”
The book, authored by John Freeman in collaboration with retired jeweler Jim Jessop, spans 217 pages and is enriched with historic photographs. It has been published on Amazon and delves into the clock’s significance to San Diego’s history, both past and present.
In a recent segment of CBS 8 San Diego’s “The Zevely Zone,” the iconic clock was showcased, with Jeff Zevely highlighting its enchanting nature. According to Zevely, the Jessop Clock is more than just a timekeeping instrument; it’s an engineering marvel that has intrigued both locals and visitors for generations.
Jim Jessop, the great-grandson of the clock’s creator, Joseph Jessop Sr., believes that the clock was intentionally designed to inspire observers to linger and appreciate its intricate details. “I think it was a ploy on the part of my great-grandfather to make people stop at the clock and spend an extra few moments studying it,” he remarked, referencing a small wooden bear figurine cleverly hidden within the clock’s gears as a delightful surprise for viewers.
Freeman emphasized that “Timeless Treasures” chronicles not only the origins of the Jessop family’s jewelry businesses over the years but also the legacy of the remarkable Jessop Clock, which has stood as a significant cultural symbol in San Diego.
Jim Jessop shares insights about his family’s longstanding influence in the jewelry industry and the clock’s unique construction. “This clock was built by my great-grandfather, who designed it himself in his jewelry shop in downtown San Diego, and the clock was built in that store,” he explained.
He elaborated on the unparalleled craftsmanship that went into the creation of the clock and its components, noting that his great-grandfather was an accomplished watchmaker who crafted the clock using handmade parts. “He calculated everything by hand without calculators or slide rules, just relying on his extensive knowledge of clocks. He built a clock that stands 22 feet high, with a head measuring about seven feet around and featuring four faces,” Jim Jessop added.
Looking ahead, Jim Jessop expressed a noble aspiration: to secure $4 million to establish an endowment for the clock’s maintenance once it is handed over to the San Diego History Center. This would ensure that the clock remains preserved according to the family’s wishes for future generations to enjoy.
The San Diego History Center has plans to feature the Jessop Clock prominently in its exhibitions by 2028. The family acknowledges the clock’s need for restoration as time takes its toll, and they invite public support for this endeavor. Donations can be made via their website at sandiegohistory.org.
The Jessop Clock’s history is remarkable in itself. Designed and built by Joseph Jessop Sr. in downtown San Diego, it was first installed in front of the Jessop Jewelry store in 1907. Over the years, it distinguished itself as one of the longest-standing timepieces in the world, remaining at its original location for an impressive 111 years.
In 2018, the clock was carefully taken down and stored in eight large crates. The Jessop family has committed to donating this historic timepiece to the San Diego History Center, where it is currently held. Once restoration is completed, it is set to become the centerpiece of an upcoming exhibit at the center.
The legacy of the Jessop Clock is deeply intertwined with the essence of San Diego’s history, and with the release of “Timeless Treasures,” its story is sure to captivate readers and history enthusiasts alike.
About the author, John Freeman, a graduate of Point Loma High School and the University of Arizona, has an extensive career in journalism and communications, with notable stints as a sports editor, writer for the New York Yankees, and publications director for the NBA. His contributions to media have been recognized nationally, including as a syndicated columnist with the San Diego Union-Tribune.
This enlightening book marks an important tribute to the Jessop Clock and its creators, securing its relevance and allure for years to come.
image source from：timesofsandiego
