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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Key wind fusee verge watch movement

Thomas Tompion key wind fusee verge movement

Partially verified

Catalogued as Lot 305 by Bonhams, this English key wind fusee verge watch movement is attributed to circa 1670 and signed 'T. Tompion London'. The mechanism features a gilt full plate construction, a plain steel three-arm balance with a ribbed rim, and a pierced and engraved winged balance cock decorated with a mask. According to the auction catalogue, the movement also includes a silver regulation disc, Egyptian pillars, and a worm set-up mechanism.

Top plate view of the gilt verge movement showing balance cock, regulation disc, and maker signature
Top plate view of the gilt verge movement showing balance cock, regulation disc, and maker signature — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Movement · Key wind fusee verge watch movement
Maker / attribution
Thomas Tompion
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
305
Source-reported date
Circa 1670
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

Object Identity and Attributed Origin

This uncased watch movement was catalogued by Bonhams as Lot 305 and titled 'Thomas Tompion. A rare key wind fusee verge movement'. The mechanism is catalogued as signed 'T. Tompion London'.

The auction house provides an approximate date of 'Circa 1670'. The listing does not record an individual movement serial number, reference, case, or dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Thomas Tompion. A rare key wind fusee verge movement”
  • “Date: Circa 1670”
  • “Signed: Movement signed T. Tompion London”

Visible Top-Plate Components

Direct visual inspection shows a gilt top plate engraved 'T. TOMPION LONDON' near the rim. Secured to this plate is an elaborately pierced and engraved winged balance cock decorated with dense scrollwork and a stylized mask.

The plate also displays a circular silver regulation dial engraved with numeric graduations, along with polished and blued steel screws holding top-plate components in place.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gilt top plate engraved 'T. TOMPION LONDON' near the rim.”
  • “Elaborately pierced and engraved winged balance cock with dense scrollwork and a stylized mask.”
  • “Circular silver regulation dial engraved with numeric graduations.”
  • “Polished and blued steel screws securing top-plate components.”

Reported Mechanism and Structural Elements

The auction catalogue specifies a 'Gilt full plate' movement with a 'fusee verge escapement' and a 'plain steel three arm balance with ribbed rim'.

Additional internal components recorded in the technical description include 'Egyptian pillars', 'silver regulation', and a 'worm set up'. In the primary top-plate view, the internal pillars and setup work are mostly concealed beneath the plate.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Gilt full plate, fusee verge escapement, plain steel three arm balance with ribbed rim, pierced engraved winged balance cock with mask, silver regulation, Egyptian pillars, worm set up,”

Open research questions

  • What are the precise plate diameter and pillar height of this movement?
  • Does the movement exhibit internal numbering, watchmaker scratch marks, or assembly stamps on the pillar plate?
  • What specific profile and shaping do the Egyptian pillars exhibit when viewed in side profile?
  • Is the balance spring a original or later addition beneath the winged cock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Tompion key wind fusee verge movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureT. Tompion London“Movement signed T. Tompion London”
EscapementFusee verge escapement“fusee verge escapement”
Plate ConstructionGilt full plate“Movement: Gilt full plate”
BalancePlain steel three arm balance with ribbed rim“plain steel three arm balance with ribbed rim”
Balance CockPierced engraved winged balance cock with mask“pierced engraved winged balance cock with mask”
PillarsEgyptian pillars“Egyptian pillars”
Worm Set UpWorm set up“worm set up”
Auction Sale Price£2,805 inc. premium“Sold for £2,805 inc. premium”
Sale TitleThe collection of a distinguished Gentleman: Interesting and unusual pocket watches and watch movements“The collection of a distinguished Gentleman: Interesting and unusual pocket watches and watch movements”

Visible details

  • Gilt top plate engraved 'T. TOMPION LONDON' near the rim.
  • Elaborately pierced and engraved winged balance cock with dense scrollwork and a stylized mask.
  • Circular silver regulation dial engraved with numeric graduations.
  • Polished and blued steel screws securing top-plate components.

Research qualifications

  • Sold as an uncased movement without dial, hands, or case.
  • Internal features such as the Egyptian pillars, fusee verge escapement, and worm set-up are documented by the auction house but mostly concealed beneath the top plate in this view.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : Thomas Tompion. A rare key wind fusee verge movement Circa 1670

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b296de748f

Terms in this record

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