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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Timepiece fusee movement and dial

A fusée timepiece movement and dial, Townsend, Hainault

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this lot comprises a substantial reverse-wind fusée timepiece movement, a separate convex dial, and detached spade hands. The auctioneer notes that the movement incorporates a chain drive and an anchor escapement. The convex dial has a diameter of 53 cm and is inscribed across the center with 'TOWNSEND, HAINAULT'. It features painted Roman numerals and an outer minute division track. The components are unrestored, unhoused, and completely detached from any clock case.

Front view of the convex dial, separate fusee movement plates, and spade hands
Front view of the convex dial, separate fusee movement plates, and spade hands — Bellmans. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
app.bellmans.co.uk
Category
Movement · Timepiece fusee movement and dial
Maker / attribution
Townsend
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
34
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial Characteristics

The lot includes a circular, convex dial measuring 53 cm in diameter. The face displays painted Roman numerals and an outer minute track.

The dial is signed 'TOWNSEND' above the center and 'HAINAULT' below. Observations indicate surface wear and spotting.

Evidence for this section
  • “53cm diameter”
  • “The dial signed Townsend, Hainault”
  • “Large circular painted convex dial bearing faded black Roman numerals and an outer track with five-minute markers.”

Movement Construction

The movement is described as a reverse-wind fusée timepiece. It utilizes a chain drive mechanism and an anchor escapement.

The movement features a rectangular brass frame with plates held by pillars, with motion work gears visible on the front plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “The substantial reverse-wind fusée movement with chain drive and anchor escapement”
  • “Rectangular brass movement frame with substantial plates held by pillars, displaying front-plate motion work gears.”

Condition and Status

The components consist of the movement, dial, and two detached spade-style hands. These parts are currently unhoused.

The auction record states the components require full restoration and the acquisition of a case.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement, dial and hands are separate pieces.”
  • “In need of full restoration and uniting with some sort of case housing.”
  • “Two loose steel or iron spade-style clock hands resting in the foreground.”

Open research questions

  • Identify the maker or retailer associated with 'Townsend' and 'Hainault'.
  • Determine the intended original housing type for this 53 cm movement/dial assembly.
  • Establish the production period for this specific style of reverse-wind fusée timepiece.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A fusée timepiece movement and dial, Townsend, Hainault
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial SignatureTownsend, Hainault“The dial signed Townsend, Hainault”
Movement MechanismReverse-wind fusée movement with chain drive and anchor escapement“The substantial reverse-wind fusée movement with chain drive and anchor escapement”
Dial Diameter53 cm“53cm diameter”
HandsSpade hands“the separate convex dial with spade hands”
Auction Result£30“Hammer price: £30”

Visible details

  • Large circular painted convex dial bearing faded black Roman numerals and an outer track with five-minute markers.
  • The dial face is marked 'TOWNSEND' above the center arbor hole and 'HAINAULT' below it, showing surface wear and foxing/spotting.
  • Rectangular brass movement frame with substantial plates held by pillars, displaying front-plate motion work gears.
  • Two loose steel or iron spade-style clock hands resting in the foreground.

Research qualifications

  • Source reports the movement, dial, and hands are separate pieces in need of full restoration and lacking a case.
  • Date and country of origin are not specified by the auction house.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 04c1683bf1

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.