Occupation confusion

[Nell]

John Higho of Paul's Alley, Red Cross Street, watchmaker took on an apprentice for 7 years, Joseph James Denison in 1819. Joseph became a watchmaker and indeed married his master's daughter Caroline Sarah Higho.

But the apprenticeship was recorded in the City of London Haberdashers and Freemen record. And John Higho, watchmaker, ended his days in the Haberdasher's Aske's Almshouse in Hoxton.

What is the connection between haberdashery and watchmaking?

[kiterunner]

It sounds as though his actual occupation was watchmaker but he was a member of the Haberdashers' livery company. I have a few like that in my tree.

[Nell]

I just assumed Haberdashers' Company just dealt with haberdashers. You live and learn.

[kiterunner]

Presumably it did in the early days, but not by the 19th century.