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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Asprey Harding Sinclair Great Wheel Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

This skeleton clock, identified in the auction record as a "Great Wheel" model, features a mechanism housed within a rectangular glass case on a dark base. The movement is attributed to Asprey and Harding Sinclair. It incorporates four driving wheels, with a large primary wheel containing 288 teeth that completes one rotation per day, driving a central wheel located behind the dial. The escapement is a Graham deadbeat type, regulated by a pendulum suspended by a silk thread. The power reserve is stated as eight days. The dial displays Roman numerals. Inscriptions on the back of the pendulum include "Harding Sinclair England" and the number "1452". The auction report describes the clock as being in excellent working condition and notes that a winding key is provided with the piece. Measurements are given as 14.5 by 10.5 inches for the clock and 18.5 by 14 inches for the housing.

Front view of the Asprey Harding Sinclair skeleton clock in its rectangular glass housing.
Front view of the Asprey Harding Sinclair skeleton clock in its rectangular glass housing. — Akiba Galleries. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Asprey; Harding Sinclair
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
24
Source-reported date
20th century
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
1452

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

Movement and Escapement

The clock operates using a Great Wheel mechanism, a design characterized by a large primary wheel with 288 teeth. This component is engineered to complete one full rotation every 24 hours, subsequently driving a central wheel positioned behind the dial assembly.

Regulation of the movement is managed by a Graham deadbeat escapement. The movement provides an eight-day power reserve.

Evidence for this section
  • “مکانیزم حرکتی آن به گونه‌ای طراحی شده که چرخ بزرگ با ۲۸۸ دندانه، تنها یک دور در روز می‌چرخد”
  • “این ساعت مجهز به گریزگاه «گراهام ددبیت» (Graham Deadbeat) است که توسط آونگی معلق بر روی یک رشته ظریف «ابریشمی» هدایت می‌شود”

Construction and Identification

The timepiece features polished frames and is housed within a glazed case. The dial features Roman numerals. While the auction source notes an enamel dial and a glass dome, visual inspection suggests a metallic dial and a rectangular glass enclosure.

Maker and origin details are confirmed by an engraving on the rear of the pendulum, which identifies the piece as "Harding Sinclair England" accompanied by the serial number 1452. The clock is accompanied by its winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “در پشت آونگ عبارت «Harding Sinclair England» به همراه شماره «1452» حک شده است”
  • “این ساعت به همراه کلید کوک عرضه می‌شود”

Condition and Attribution

The auction house Akiba Galleries reports that the clock is in excellent condition and is fully functional. The identification of the piece as a product of Asprey and Harding Sinclair is provided by the auction documentation.

The source acknowledges potential inconsistencies in its own descriptive data, specifically regarding the dial material and the shape of the housing, which it does not attempt to reconcile against the provided photographs.

Evidence for this section
  • “وضعیت ساعت در شرایط عالی و در حال کارکرد است”
  • “تناقضی میان توصیف منبع (صفحه میناکاری و گنبد شیشه‌ای) و تصاویر ارائه شده”

Open research questions

  • Verify if the discrepancy in housing shape is a result of a misidentified case in the auction record.
  • Determine the relationship between Asprey as a retailer and Harding Sinclair as the manufacturer.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Asprey Harding Sinclair Great Wheel Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAsprey, Harding Sinclair“آسپری (Asprey) و هاردینگ سینکلر”
Serial number1452“شماره «1452» حک شده است”
MechanismGraham deadbeat escapement“گریزگاه «گراهام ددبیت» (Graham Deadbeat)”
Power reserve8 days“ذخیره توان این ساعت ۸ روز گزارش شده است”
Country of originEngland“Harding Sinclair England”
Auction date2026-09-15“۲۰۲۶/۰۹/۱۵”
Lot number24“شماره لات: 24”

Visible details

  • Mechanism mounted on a dark, rectangular base
  • Pendulum suspended from a thin cord
  • Roman numeral dial marked with 'Asprey'
  • Engraved identification on the rear of the pendulum

Research qualifications

  • Discrepancy noted between source description (enamel dial) and visual evidence (metallic dial)
  • Contradiction between source mention of a glass dome and visual evidence of a rectangular case

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

Consulted source

Asprey Harding Sinclair Great Wheel Skeleton Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d504fbb86c

Terms in this record

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

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