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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch

Mudge & Dutton Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gents pocket watch, numbered 943, was produced by Thomas Mudge and William Dutton in London, circa 1770. It is constructed with an 18 carat gold pair case, the inner section of which features a pierced leaf design. The white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals and is fitted with plain gold hands. The movement is driven by a key-wound spring with a fusee and chain, utilizing a cylinder escapement and a steel balance wheel. A repeater mechanism is incorporated to sound the hours and quarters. The back plate of the movement is ornate, featuring an ornate brass cock and a diamond end jewel. The outer case bears a London hallmark for 1798. The watch was once the property of Derwas Owen Jones, who emigrated to Australia in 1842 and established the Binnum Station in South Australia.

Front view of the gold pair-cased pocket watch showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals.
Front view of the gold pair-cased pocket watch showing the enamel dial with Roman numerals. — Museums Victoria. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.museumsvictoria.com.au
Category
Pocket watch · Repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Mudge & William Dutton
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ST 21241
Source-reported date
circa 1770
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
943

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 and Dial

The watch is housed in an 18 carat gold pair case. The inner case is notable for its pierced leaf design. A white enamel dial is used, featuring black Roman numerals and plain gold hands.

The dial is signed with the makers' names and the serial number 943. The outer case bears the London hallmark, which the source dates to 1798.

Evidence for this section
  • “18 carat gold pair case, the inner one being pierced with a leaf design.”
  • “White enamel dial has black roman numerals and gold hands.”
  • “Outer case has hallmark of crowned 18, crowned leopard's head and c [1798].”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is key wound, utilizing a fusee and chain. It features a cylinder escapement and a steel balance wheel. The back plate is described as ornate.

The movement includes a repeater mechanism, which is designed to sound the hours and quarters. Detailed components visible on the plate include an ornate brass cock and a diamond end jewel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Key wound spring; cylinder escapement. Fusee and chain; winding dial.”
  • “A repeater mechanism sounds the hours and quarters one to four.”
  • “Steel balance wheel, ornate brass cock and diamond end jewel.”

Provenance and History

The watch was owned by Derwas Owen Jones, who arrived in Australia in 1842 aboard the Lightning, accompanied by his brother Henry Jones. The brothers were pastoralists in Victoria and later established Binnum Station in South Australia.

After his time in Australia, Derwas Owen Jones returned to England to reside at Pontesford House in Shropshire. The watch was donated to the collection by Miss Laura Cumming in 1939.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch was the property of Derwas Owen Jones, who arrived in the Lightning with his brother Henry (Harry) Jones in 1842.”
  • “Derwas Owen Jones returned to England subsequently, and lived at Pontesford House, Pontesford, Shropshire.”
  • “Acquisition: Donation from Miss Laura Cumming, 15 Nov 1939”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature of the relationship between the 1770 movement date and the 1798 case hallmark?
  • Are there remaining internal service records for the repeater mechanism?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mudge & Dutton Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Mudge & William Dutton“Tho. Mudge, W. Dutton, London”
Serial Number943“Dial marked 'Tho. Mudge, W. Dutton, London, 943'”
Datecirca 1770“Thomas Mudge & William Dutton, London, no 943, circa 1770.”
Case Material18 carat gold“18 carat gold pair case”
Registration NumberST 21241“Registration number: ST 21241”
ProvenanceDerwas Owen Jones“The watch was the property of Derwas Owen Jones”

Visible details

  • Cracks visible in the white enamel dial
  • Ornate, pierced gold inner case
  • Bow handle attached to the case crown

Research qualifications

  • The outer case hallmark dates to 1798, while the watch is attributed to circa 1770
  • The precise mechanical condition of the repeater and movement remains unverified

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

Consulted source

Pocket Watch - Mudge & Dutton, circa 1770

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record d799798054

Terms in this record

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

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