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Lot Essay
The present watch is a fine example of John Ellicott's work, fitted with his cylinder movement and a regulator dial, placing the emphasis on the minute display as opposed to the traditional time display, an extremely rare feature to find in such an early watch.
The eminent watch and clock maker John Ellicott was born 1706, the son of "an ingenious watchmaker of great note", also called John.
He established his business in Swithin's Alley, Royal Exchange in 1728. He was the inventor of a compensation pendulum and developed the use of the cylinder escapement, invented by George Graham in 1726. Like his peer George Graham he became a member of the Royal Society for which he wrote several papers. Ellicott's work is distinguished by the excellent workmanship and can be found in museums and Royal collections throughout the world. He was appointed clockmaker to the King and designed the London Hospital clock. He died suddenly in 1772 and was succeeded by his son Edward.
For a biographical note on John Ellicott and his numbering system see Watches by Cecil Clutton & George Daniels, pp. 132 & 133.
The eminent watch and clock maker John Ellicott was born 1706, the son of "an ingenious watchmaker of great note", also called John.
He established his business in Swithin's Alley, Royal Exchange in 1728. He was the inventor of a compensation pendulum and developed the use of the cylinder escapement, invented by George Graham in 1726. Like his peer George Graham he became a member of the Royal Society for which he wrote several papers. Ellicott's work is distinguished by the excellent workmanship and can be found in museums and Royal collections throughout the world. He was appointed clockmaker to the King and designed the London Hospital clock. He died suddenly in 1772 and was succeeded by his son Edward.
For a biographical note on John Ellicott and his numbering system see Watches by Cecil Clutton & George Daniels, pp. 132 & 133.