It was the famous collector Courtnay Ilbert who realised the importance of a miniature movement in a sale in these rooms, on June 17, 1937, lot 124, the property of Dr. Douglas Heath. It was signed Thomas Tompion and housed in a drab japanned case that obviously did not belong to it, see illus The English Domestic Clock op. cit.. The price paid, 325gns., though a huge sum at that time especially for in incomplete clock was justified when in 1949 at Sotheby's, London a remarkably small silver-mounted bracket clock case appeared for sale. The movement inside was inscribed Thomas Tompion on a silver plaque but was obviously not by him. Ilbert saw the potential of his movement belonging to this case, the two were brought together and the base plate, with its special locking mechanism, fitted the case exactly. This proved without doubt that the two originally belonged together and a highly important clock had been re-discovered.
Tompion No. 222 is closely related to a number of special clocks made for the Royal Family either for practical use or as diplomatic gifts. William III's own travelling clock, with pendulum/balance movement (the case in a private collection) is quite clearly related to No. 222. Not only are the handle and bolection mouldings very similar but more importantly the side mounts on the domed top of William III's clock are exactly the same as those on No. 222. It is further discussed in an article in Country Life, op cit, suggesting that Tompion No. 222 be the Queen's clock. The argument is supported by a vague reference in the diaries of Dr. Robert Hooke where he talks of visiting Tompion and discussing K & Q clocks. William III's clock, with its Royal cypher and date of 1693 fits the title of the King's clock and No. 222, being so closely related, may very possibly be the missing Q clock.