It was created to preserve and display the vast collection of the master watchmaker Cavalier Salvatore Ricci.  Sammarchese craftsman who, after having carried out various trades, dedicates himself with passion to the activity of watchmaker patiently repairing every type of dial, spring or gear, of clocks located in old bell towers or monumental buildings. In the eighties he began to exhibit some in various locations in Italy until, He finds the support of the municipal administration of his native town in the construction of a real museum.

In 1997, in a temporary location, a permanent exhibition called Le Nostre Ore was set up in San Marco dei Cavoti.  And, later in 1998, the Clock Museum was officially established. Thanks to the commitment of the mayor Francesco Cocca, the then Minister of the Ortensio Zecchino University and some Sammarchesi who supported the initiative, the collection divien in 2000 heritage of the CNR.  The latter has acquired it for public use, for the museum exhibition and for scientific research. Finally, from its provisional location, the museum was moved in 2004 to the most suitable and spacious rooms of Palazzo Cocca.  Ancient noble residence of the seventeenth century located in the historic center of the village.gentilizia del XVII secolo ubicata nel centro storico del paese.