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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch

Silver Pair-Cased Pocket Watch Signed Tompion

Partially verified

The watch features a two-body polished silver outer case and a matching two-body inner case with a split bezel, a shuttered winding aperture, and a loose ring pendant. The silver champlevé dial displays radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track with Arabic five-minute numerals, and a central cartouche depicting a lion and unicorn beneath a crown, with the signature Tompion London. The movement is a 41 mm gilt brass caliber, featuring divided Egyptian pillars, a fusee and chain mechanism with worm and wheel setup, and a verge escapement. It utilizes a three-arm steel balance with a flat balance spring and a pierced, engraved balance cock with streamers, regulated by a silver disc. The watch is signed on the dial and movement, though its authorship remains a point of uncertainty regarding the specific maker.

Front view of the silver pair-cased pocket watch with open case, showing the champlevé dial, signature, and heraldic ornamentation.
Front view of the silver pair-cased pocket watch with open case, showing the champlevé dial, signature, and heraldic ornamentation. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Tompion (attributed)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
324
Source-reported date
circa 1710
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

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a pair-case construction, both parts of which are two-body, polished silver and described as bassine in profile. The inner case is fitted with a split bezel and a shuttered winding aperture, allowing access to the movement without removing the watch from its inner casing. It also features a loose ring pendant for attachment to a chain or fob.

The silver champlevé dial features a distinct central cartouche engraved with a lion and unicorn beneath a crown, accompanied by the signature "Tompion" and "London". Radial Roman numerals indicate the hours, while an outer track uses Arabic numerals for five-minute intervals. The dial is paired with pierced gilt hands, which are reported as replacements.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inner: two-body, ?bassine? polished, split bezel, shuttered winding aperture, loose ring pendant.”
  • “Silver champleve with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals, center with lion and unicorn signature cartouches beneath a crown.”
  • “HANDS Replaced”

Movement and Escapement

The movement measures 41 mm in diameter and is constructed of gilt brass. It is built with divided Egyptian pillars, a common construction feature for the era. Power is supplied via a fusee and chain drive, regulated by a worm and wheel setup.

The escapement is of the verge type, with a three-arm steel balance and a flat balance spring. The balance cock is pierced and engraved with streamers, and a silver disc is utilized for regulation.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 41 mm., gilt brass, divided Egyptian pillars, fusee and chain with worm and wheel setup, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance with flat balance spring, pierced and engraved balance cock with streamers, silver regulation disc.”

Attribution and Condition

The auction description indicates that while the piece is signed "Tompion London," it is not the work of the celebrated Thomas Tompion. The notes suggest the possibility that it was produced by a maker named G. Tompion, recorded as working around 1715, or by an unknown maker using the name Tompion falsely.

The case is described as damaged, and the hands are verified as replaced.

Evidence for this section
  • “This watch is not made by the celebrated maker Thomas Tompion, it is perhaps by the maker G. Tompion who is recorded working circa 1715 or made by an unknown maker falsely using Tompion?s name.”
  • “Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “HANDS Replaced”

Open research questions

  • Is there evidence of G. Tompion in historical horological archives of the 18th century?
  • Do the internal dimensions and construction details match known movements by G. Tompion or other contemporary makers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Silver Pair-Cased Pocket Watch Signed Tompion
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTompion“Tompion, London.”
Case materialSilver“Fine, silver pair-cased pocket watch.”
Movement diameter41 mm“M. 41 mm.”
EscapementVerge“verge escapement”
Datecirca 1710“Made circa 1710.”
SignatureDial and movement signed“Dial and movement signed.”
Case typePair-cased“silver pair-cased pocket watch”

Visible details

  • Silver champlevé dial with royal heraldic motifs
  • Pierced gilt hands
  • Split bezel inner case construction
  • Shuttered winding hole on the inner case back

Research qualifications

  • The source states the watch is not by the celebrated Thomas Tompion
  • The hands are identified by the source as replaced

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

Consulted source

Tompion, London. Made circa 1710. Fine, silver pair-cased pocket watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 87cb216223

Terms in this record

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

Other pair cased pocket watch records