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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Londres

Round enamelled watch

Verified

The case-back is painted with a reproduction on enamel of Roman Charity: General Cimon was condemned to death by starvation, but his daughter kept him alive by suckling him. This subject was frequently found on cases signed by the Huaud brothers or made in a similar style.

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH I-397
Object type
Pocket watch
Place of production
Londres
Dating
1680 - 1690
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
or, argent, laiton, émail
Dimensions (catalogue)
dimensions min/max: 46 x 50 mm
Inscriptions (catalogue)
Tompion London (Cadran); Tompion London (Mouvement)

Historical significance

  • The case-back is painted with a reproduction on enamel of Roman Charity: General Cimon was condemned to death by starvation, but his daughter kept him alive by suckling him. This subject was frequently found on cases signed by the Huaud brothers or made in a similar style.
  • The silver dial, which has one hand, is divided into six hours indicated in Roman numerals. Called an “Italian” dial, it is one of many kinds that were produced in England between 1680 and 1710. A ring with alternate strokes and dots indicates the quarter hours, half hours and hours.
  • The movement is fitted with a verge escapement. The plate has a large single-footed balance cock, pierced and engraved with scrolls. The active length of the balance spring can be adjusted by means of a numbered rosette. The winding square is situated on the plate.

Photographs

Round enamelled watch (MIH I-397)
Round enamelled watch (MIH I-397) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Round enamelled watch (MIH I-397)
Round enamelled watch (MIH I-397) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Round enamelled watch (MIH I-397)
Round enamelled watch (MIH I-397) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record

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

Sources & references

  1. Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. I-397: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/35484/

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