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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Etherington Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gold pocket watch, dating to 1704-1705, features a quarter-repeating movement signed by George Etherington. The case is constructed of pierced, engraved, and chased gold, and is attributed to the casemaker James Delander, marked with the initials 'ID'. The watch dial is notably decorated with table-cut diamonds and emeralds. The movement is inscribed with 'Geo. Etherington, London'. The watch incorporates a repeating mechanism capable of striking the quarters. It bears London hallmarks corresponding to the 1704-1705 period. The watch has been associated in historical records with Empress Elizabeth of Russia. It is noted that the object would have originally been accompanied by a decorative pair case, which is absent from the current configuration. The piece resides in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum under accession number M.19-1934.

Interior view showing the dial, repeating mechanism, and gemstones.
Interior view showing the dial, repeating mechanism, and gemstones. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
George Etherington
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.19-1934
Source-reported date
1704-1705
Source-reported place
London

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

Construction and Dial

The pocket watch is manufactured from gold, which has been worked through piercing, engraving, and chasing. The external aesthetic is characterized by the application of precious stones, specifically table-cut diamonds and emeralds, which are embedded directly into the dial plate. Regarding the history of the object, it is documented as having been held by Empress Elizabeth of Russia.

The dial displays a chapter ring with numerals for the hours and minutes. The inclusion of gemstones serves as both a decorative feature and a structural element of the dial arrangement. The watch remains in its single-case configuration, with the source noting the absence of an original pair case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Pierced, engraved and chased gold set with table-cut diamonds and emeralds”
  • “The watch would have originally had a decorated pair case.”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The interior of the watch contains a quarter-repeating movement. The movement is signed by George Etherington and is protected by a silver dust cover that bears the same signature.

The repeating function allows the watch to strike the time to the nearest quarter hour. The layout of the plates and the engraving on the balance cock indicate the work of Etherington. The silver dust cover also contains an engraved signature and displays the accession number.

Evidence for this section
  • “1/4 repeating movement by George Etherington signed 'Geo. Etherington, London'”
  • “signed 'Geo. Etherington, London'”

Marks and Provenance

The watch bears London hallmarks identifying the date of manufacture as 1704-1705. The casemaker's mark, consisting of the initials 'ID', has been attributed to James Delander. These marks provide the primary evidence for the dating and origin of the watch case.

The watch was provided to the museum by Mr. Edmund A. Phillips.

Evidence for this section
  • “casemaker's mark 'ID' attributed to James Delander, with London hallmarks for 1704-1705”
  • “Said to have belonged to the Empress Elizabeth of Russia.”
  • “Given by Mr Edmund A. Phillips”

Open research questions

  • What specific repeating mechanism configuration does this movement employ?
  • Is there archival documentation to support the provenance regarding Empress Elizabeth of Russia?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Etherington Quarter-Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGeorge Etherington (movement)“Etherington, George (movement)”
CasemakerJames Delander“casemaker's mark 'ID' attributed to James Delander”
Date1704-1705“Date: 1704-1705”
MaterialPierced, engraved and chased gold, diamonds, emeralds“Pierced, engraved and chased gold set with table-cut diamonds and emeralds”
Accession NumberM.19-1934“Accession number: M.19-1934”
InscriptionGeo. Etherington, London“'Geo. Etherington, London'”

Visible details

  • Dial set with alternating table-cut emeralds and diamonds
  • Gilded balance cock with intricate pierced foliage scrollwork
  • Silver dust cover signed 'Geo. Etherington London'
  • Repeating mechanism visible on the movement plate

Research qualifications

  • The attribution of the casemaker 'ID' to James Delander is a source-stated attribution
  • The association with Empress Elizabeth of Russia is reported as 'Said to have belonged to'

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ad6da28038

Terms in this record

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

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