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The Encyclopedia of Horology

London, United Kingdom

Thomas Earnshaw

Partially verified

Chronometers

History

Earnshaw's spring detent became the standard marine chronometer escapement.

Major innovations

    Known markings

    • 'Earnshaw'

    Serial numbers

    This archive holds no verified serial-number table for this maker. Do not date a piece from its serial number alone; use case hallmarks, movement design and documented comparison examples.

    Collecting significance

    Originality of dial, hands, case and movement is the main consideration. Check that the movement belongs to the case and that the dial has not been refinished.

    Photographs

    Thomas Earnshaw
    Thomas Earnshaw — User Magnus Manske on en.wikipedia, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page
    SITE OF THE BUSINESS PREMISES OF THOMAS EARNSHAW 1749-1829 NOTED WATCH AND CHRONOMETER MAKER
    SITE OF THE BUSINESS PREMISES OF THOMAS EARNSHAW 1749-1829 NOTED WATCH AND CHRONOMETER MAKER — Spudgun67, CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikimedia Commons file page
    Thomas Earnshaw, 1749-1829 RMG BHC2674
    Thomas Earnshaw, 1749-1829 RMG BHC2674 — Martin Archer Shee, Public domain. Wikimedia Commons file page

    Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

    Sources & references

    1. Kathleen H. Pritchard, Swiss Timepiece Makers 1775–1975
    2. Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World
    3. Mikrolisk trademark and maker index

    Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.