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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Verge escapement watch movement

Verge escapement watch movement by John Shaw

Partially verified

This early English verge escapement watch movement is attributed to John Shaw of Holborn, London, dating to circa 1690. The gilded brass mechanism features pierced and engraved balance and pillar work along with an unusual balance-spring regulation mechanism. One half of the balance-cock table is engraved with instructions indicating that increasing the figure accelerates the rate while decreasing it slows it down. The other half is cut away to expose the balance spring and an adjustable regulating device set above an arc scale numbered I through V with 'Slower' and 'Faster' indicators.

Backplate three-quarter view of verge escapement watch movement no. 546 by John Shaw showing balance cock and regulator
Backplate three-quarter view of verge escapement watch movement no. 546 by John Shaw showing balance cock and regulator — The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Movement · Verge escapement watch movement
Maker / attribution
John Shaw
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c.1690
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
546

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

Identity and Signatures

This verge escapement watch movement is catalogued by the Science Museum Group as the work of John Shaw, dated in Holborn to circa 1690 (with a broader made date range of 1601–1700). The movement's backplate is documented as signed 'John Shaw, Holborn, 546'. Museum records note that Shaw became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1682 and its Master in 1712.

Direct visual observation confirms the engraved script signature 'John Shaw Holborn' along the upper rim of the backplate. The movement is catalogued under object number L2015-4120 and Clockmakers' Museum No. 1210 as a loan from the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.

Evidence for this section
  • “The backplate is signed ‘John Shaw, Holborn, 546’.”
  • “Shaw became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1682, and its Master in 1712.”
  • “Engraved script signature 'John Shaw Holborn' visible along the upper left rim of the backplate.”

Balance Cock and Regulation Mechanism

The backplate incorporates an unusual balance-cock construction adapted for balance-spring regulation. One half of the balance-cock table is engraved 'To Increase the figure will make it goe faster & to Decrease it slower'. The remaining half of the table is cut away to reveal the balance spring with an adjustable regulating device used to modify spring length.

Beneath this aperture, the plate is engraved with 'Slower, Faster' alongside an arc scale numbered from I through V. Visual observation confirms the regulator scale with engraved numerals visible directly through the semicircular aperture of the balance table.

Evidence for this section
  • “One half of the balance-cock table is engraved ‘To Increase the figure will make it goe faster & to Decrease it slower’.”
  • “The other half of the table is cut away to reveal the balance-spring with a regulating device for adjusting the length of the balance-spring.”
  • “Beneath this is engraved 'Slower, Faster' and a scale of I-V in an arc.”
  • “Regulator scale with engraved numerals visible through the semicircular aperture of the balance table.”

Physical Structure and Documented Components

The movement measures 51 mm by 48.5 mm by 26.5 mm overall and is listed as composed of brass, steel, and enamel. Visible mechanical features include gilded Egyptian-style or pierced pillars separating the plates, as well as a pierced and engraved balance-cock foot extending into ornate foliate scrollwork across the backplate.

While the museum record describes the object as a 'Verge escapement watch movement with later enamel dial', the dial is not visible in the provided rear-plate photograph. Consequently, dial preservation, design, and under-dial work cannot be confirmed from this view.

Evidence for this section
  • “Verge escapement watch movement with later enamel dial by John Shaw.”
  • “Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) , steel (metal) and enamel”
  • “overall: 51 mm x 48.5 mm x 26.5 mm”
  • “Pierced and engraved balance-cock foot extending into ornate foliate scrollwork across the backplate.”
  • “Gilded Egyptian-style or pierced pillars separating the movement plates.”

Open research questions

  • What are the visual characteristics and condition of the 'later enamel dial' described in the museum catalogue entry but not shown in the backplate photograph?
  • Does movement number 546 retain its original balance spring and regulator components, or have alterations occurred during historical maintenance?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Verge escapement watch movement by John Shaw
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker Signature and NumberJohn Shaw, Holborn, 546“The backplate is signed ‘John Shaw, Holborn, 546’.”
Balance-Cock InscriptionTo Increase the figure will make it goe faster & to Decrease it slower“One half of the balance-cock table is engraved ‘To Increase the figure will make it goe faster & to Decrease it slower’.”
Dimensions51 mm x 48.5 mm x 26.5 mm“overall: 51 mm x 48.5 mm x 26.5 mm”
MaterialsBrass, steel, and enamel“Materials: brass (copper, zinc alloy) , steel (metal) and enamel”
Museum Object NumberL2015-4120“Object Number: L2015-4120”
Clockmakers' Museum ReferenceNo. 1210“Clockmakers' Museum No. 1210.”
LenderThe Worshipful Company of Clockmakers“credit: Lent by the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers”
Broad Date Range1601-1700“Made: 1601-1700 in Holborn”

Visible details

  • Pierced and engraved balance-cock foot extending into ornate foliate scrollwork across the backplate.
  • Engraved script signature 'John Shaw Holborn' visible along the upper left rim of the backplate.
  • Regulator scale with engraved numerals visible through the semicircular aperture of the balance table.
  • Gilded Egyptian-style or pierced pillars separating the movement plates.

Research qualifications

  • The dial mentioned in the source ('later enamel dial') is not visible in this backplate-angled photograph.
  • Dial side, dial condition, and under-dial motion work cannot be confirmed from the rear three-quarter view.

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

Consulted source

Verge escapement watch movement with balance-spring regulator, by John Shaw | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record aef7e622ae

Terms in this record

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