Pocket watch · Verge watch

Early English verge watch by Michael Nouwen

Partially verified

According to the Science Museum Group, this early English verge watch was produced in London circa 1600 by Michael Nouwen. Housed in a finely pierced gilt-metal case, the source notes an engraved dial featuring foliage, rabbits, and a blue enamel hour circle, with the hour hand missing. The internal fusee movement is documented with a four-wheel going train, verge escapement, steel balance, worm-and-wheel regulation (with a later replacement wheel), and a pinned-on balance cock showing an older repair, alongside a later striking train. The back plate bears the inscription 'Michael Nouwen, London'. Originally from the Reverend Henry Nelthropp collection, it belongs to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.

Back view of the pierced and engraved gilt-metal case with suspension ring — The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers/Clarissa Bruce © The Clockmakers’ Charity. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category: Pocket watch · Verge watch
Maker / attribution: Michael Nouwen
Reference: L2015-3084
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: c. 1600
Country: United Kingdom

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

Case Construction

The watch is housed in a gilt-metal case featuring a pierced back. The external decoration consists of symmetrical openwork arabesques and foliate scrollwork, framed by an engraved border of floral motifs. The case is completed by a turned baluster finial and a suspension ring.

A metallic inner lining or plate is visible behind the openwork fretwork.

Evidence for this section

“finely pierced gilt-metal case”
“Circular pierced gilt-metal case back with symmetrical openwork arabesques and foliate scrollwork.”
“Engraved ornamental border with floral motifs encircling the pierced centre.”
“Turned baluster finial with a round suspension ring at the top.”
“Visible metallic inner lining or plate behind the openwork fretwork.”

Dial and Inscriptions

The watch face features an engraved surface decorated with foliage and rabbit motifs, accented by a blue enamel hour circle. The hour hand is reported missing.

The back plate of the movement bears the inscription 'Michael Nouwen, London'.

Evidence for this section

“The dial has a blue enamel hour-circle and is engraved with foliage and rabbits.”
“The hour hand is missing.”
“This example has the inscription 'Michael Nouwen, London' on the back plate.”

Mechanism and Alterations

The movement utilizes a fusee mechanism with a four-wheel going train, a verge escapement, and a steel balance. Timekeeping is regulated by a worm-and-wheel set-up, which features a later replacement wheel. The pinned-on balance cock exhibits an older repair.

Internal documentation notes that the striking train is a later addition to the movement.

Evidence for this section

“The fusee movement has a four-wheel going train, verge escapement, a pinned on balance cock, (with a later repair), a steel balance, with timekeeping regulated via a worm-and-wheel set-up (with a later replaced wheel).”
“The striking train is later.”

Open research questions

What is the date of the later striking train installation?
Does the 'older repair' on the balance cock pre-date the donation to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers?
What specific archival or horological evidence supports the attribution to Michael Nouwen beyond the plate inscription?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Early English verge watch by Michael Nouwen
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Michael Nouwen	“An early English watch by Michael Nouwen”
Date of manufacture	c. 1600	“London c.1600.”
Inscription	Michael Nouwen, London	“This example has the inscription 'Michael Nouwen, London' on the back plate.”
Escapement	Verge escapement	“verge escapement”
Dimensions	83 mm x 52 mm x 24 mm	“overall: 83 mm x 52 mm x 24 mm”
Museum Inventory Number	Clockmakers' Museum No. 5 / L2015-3084	“Clockmakers' Museum No. 5”
Dimensions	83 mm x 52 mm x 24 mm	“overall: 83 mm x 52 mm x 24 mm”
Provenance	Reverend Henry Nelthropp Collection	“Originally part of the collection of the Reverend Henry Nelthropp, later donated by Nelthropp to the museum of Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.”
Object Number	L2015-3084	“Object Number: L2015-3084”

Visible details

Circular pierced gilt-metal case back with symmetrical openwork arabesques and foliate scrollwork.
Engraved ornamental border with floral motifs encircling the pierced centre.
Turned baluster finial with a round suspension ring at the top.
Visible metallic inner lining or plate behind the openwork fretwork.

Research qualifications

The dial and internal movement are not visible in this case-back photograph.
Source notes the hour hand is missing, the balance cock has a later repair, the regulation wheel is replaced, and the striking train is later.

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

Consulted source

Early English verge watch by Michael Nouwen | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record d51f9590cd

Terms in this record

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