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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Clock watch

Thomas Tompion No. 83 Clock Watch

Partially verified

This English clock watch, numbered 83, houses a gilt full plate fusee verge movement attributed to the maker Thomas Tompion. The movement is dated to approximately 1695 and includes features such as a pierced and engraved balance cock, silver regulation, a count wheel, and tulip pillars. It possesses a hammer striking mechanism designed to strike on an internal bell. The timepiece is contained within a later-added gilt inner case, which displays pierced and engraved floral decoration, and is accompanied by a later gilt and leather outer case. The bell is fixed to the inner back with a single screw. The watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer arcaded minutes track, paired with gilt beetle and poker hands. Measuring 57mm in diameter, the object is accompanied by its winding key. It is documented that the casing and dial are later replacements.

Clock watch movement number 83 with later dial, case, and winding key.
Clock watch movement number 83 with later dial, case, and winding key. — Bonhams, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Clock watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Tompion
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1695
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
83

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

Movement and Technical Features

The watch is powered by a gilt full plate fusee verge movement. It is identified by the serial number 83, which aligns with the technical output of Thomas Tompion. The movement construction features tulip pillars and incorporates a striking train that uses a hammer to sound against a bell secured by a single screw to the inner case back.

The regulation system employs a silver regulator, and the balance cock is decorated with pierced and engraved metalwork.

Evidence for this section
  • “gilt full plate fusee verge movement”
  • “pierced and engraved balance cock, silver regulation, count wheel, and tulip pillars”
  • “incorporates a hammer striking mechanism on a bell”

Case and Dial Assembly

The current appearance of the watch is defined by its later casing and dial. The inner gilt case is decorated with pierced, engraved floral patterns, while the outer case consists of a gilt and leather protective shell. The dial is a white enamel surface featuring Roman numerals and an outer arcaded minutes track.

The hands are of the beetle and poker style, finished in gilt. According to historical documentation, these external elements—the cases and the dial—were added to the movement at a date subsequent to its original production.

Evidence for this section
  • “later gilt inner case featuring intricate pierced and engraved floral decoration”
  • “later white enamel dial displays black Roman numerals and an outer arcaded minutes track”
  • “both the casing and the enamel dial are documented as later additions”

Provenance and Identification

The watch is categorized within the body of work attributed to Thomas Tompion, a significant figure in 17th-century English horology. The association is supported by the movement number 83. The physical history of the object includes a departure from its original housing, with the current setup being the result of later replacement components.

The record maintains that the movement itself dates to circa 1695, while the secondary assembly of dial and cases is acknowledged as a documented deviation from the original configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “numbered 83, features a gilt full plate fusee verge movement by the renowned maker Thomas Tompion”
  • “movement dates to circa 1695”

Open research questions

  • What was the approximate date when the later cases and dial were fitted to the movement?
  • Does the serial number 83 appear in any extant shop books or ledgers associated with the Tompion workshop?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Tompion No. 83 Clock Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Tompion“maker Thomas Tompion”
Serial Number83“numbered 83”
DateCirca 1695“movement dates to circa 1695”
Diameter57mm“Measuring 57mm”
Movement typeGilt full plate fusee verge“gilt full plate fusee verge movement”
Striking mechanismHammer on bell“incorporates a hammer striking mechanism on a bell”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with arcaded minutes track
  • Gilt beetle and poker style hands
  • Gilt metal case with floral piercing
  • Accompanying winding key

Research qualifications

  • The enamel dial and cases are later replacements
  • The exact date of the case replacement remains undocumented

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

Consulted source

Thomas Tompion London No. 83 clock watch movement in later case

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 956063b44f

Terms in this record

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

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