Glossary · Mechanism
Cock (balance cock)
A single-footed bridge, usually pierced and engraved, supporting the balance staff's upper pivot.
Explanation
A cock is a support fixed at one point only, most famously the balance cock that holds the upper balance pivot. English watches have large, often engraved and pierced balance cocks that are decorative features in their own right. Because the cock is easily swapped, a mismatched engraving style or wrong serial number can reveal a replaced part.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Cock (balance cock)”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Movement
English fusee detached lever pocket watch movement by John Harrison, Liverpool
“This is an antique English fusee pocket watch movement attributed to circa 1830 and signed by John Harrison of Liverpool. The movement features a gilt 3/4 plate construction wit…”
Pocket watch
Lepaute 18th-century gold pocket watch
“This 18th-century French pocket watch is housed in an 18-karat gold case measuring 4.5 cm in diameter. The source reports indistinct hallmarks on the case and a white enamel dia…”
Pocket watch
James McCabe 1834 Gold Lepine Calibre Duplex Pocket Watch
“This nineteenth-century open face pocket watch features a keywind gilt Lepine calibre bar movement with a duplex escapement, crafted by James McCabe of Royal Exchange, London, a…”
Pocket watch
Justin Vulliamy Gold Pair Cased Pocket Watch
“This 18th-century gold pair-cased pocket watch is reported by the auctioneer to date from London, 1778. The watch features a fusee cylinder movement signed 'Justin Vulliamy, Lon…”
Wristwatch
Roger Smith Series 2 Pink Gold Wristwatch
“Dating to 2011, this Roger Smith Series 2 wristwatch is housed in a 40mm 18K pink gold case mounted on a black crocodile leather strap. The silvered dial features intricate engi…”
Movement
American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' Movement
“This object is a gilded pocket watch movement without a case, catalogued as an American Waltham Watch Co. Model 1857 'Samuel Curtis' grade dating to circa 1854. The 15-jewel lev…”