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Earnshaw. A fine and rare 18K gold openface pocket chronometer with later outer case

SIGNED THO. EARNSHAW, INVT. ET FECIT, NO. 628, LONDON, NO. 3071, STAMPED WITH LONDON DATELETTER FOR 1801

Details

Earnshaw. A fine and rare 18K gold openface pocket chronometer with later outer case
Signed Tho. Earnshaw, Invt. et Fecit, No. 628, London, No. 3071, stamped with London dateletter for 1801
With gilt-finished chain fusée movement, Earnshaw spring detent escapement, Earnshaw balance with limiting bar to prevent distortion of the rims and compensation weights, blued steel helical spring, free sprung regulator with diamond endstone, the white enamel dial with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, in plain inner case and later outer case, the inner case stamped with casemaker's initials TC for Thomas Carpenter and London datemark for 1801, the outer case stamped with casemaker's initials WM and London datemark for 1820, dial and movement signed and numbered
52 mm. diam., 58 mm. diam. incl. outer case

Special notice

On occasion, Christie's has a direct financial interest in lots consigned for sale. This interest may include guaranteeing a minimum price to the consignor of property or making an advance to the consignor which is secured solely by consigned property. Such property is offered subject to a reserve. This is such a lot.

Lot Essay

Thomas Earnshaw (1749-1829) was an eminent English watch and chronometer maker and inventor. The present watch is fitted with the spring detent escapement which he invented around 1780.

During the 19th century, this escapement became the standard for marine chronometers and continued to be manufactured for use at sea until the arrival of quartz controlled timekeepers.

For a similar chronometer by Thomas Earnshaw, numbered 626 and 3069, see The Camerer Cuss Book of Antique Watches, pp. 164 and 205.

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