The building on which the clock is set, occupies a prominent position about 200 metres from St Paul's Cathedral, near where the lane running through Temple Bar and Paternoster Square, meets Newgate. Though it has the appearance of a small brick-built church, it is actually a recently built vent for the Underground system. The City of London decided not to disguise it, but to make a feature of it by the careful planting of trees and climbing plants, subtle lighting and the addition of an unusual and eye-catching clock.

With this in mind, the City approached the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and also the Clockmakers' Museum and Educational Trust for advice. It was through this process that the horologist and designer Joanna Migdal was commissioned to design an unique clock and later asked to raise the necessary funding.

Since the City's approach happened to coincide with the 375th anniversary of the Clockmakers' Company (founded 1631) it was decided to include the arms of the Company in the design, by way of celebration. The project was carried forward in partnership with the City of London and generously funded by  a small group of members of the Company. It was unveiled by the Lord Mayor on 31st May 2007.