English gold dump half quarter repeating duplex Circa 1799

Gold dump half quarter repeating duplex watch
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A very fine English gold dump half quarter repeating center seconds duplex watch with bi metallic spiral compensation, circa 1799, gilded full plate, duplex escapement, screw set balance, bi metallic spiral compensation mounted to revolving plate with mircometer screw towards the edge of back plate, decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge, diamond end stone, maintaining power, original repeating spring signed and dated ‘Bell…July 1799’, fusee and chain, unsigned dust cap, movement signed and coded Vulliamy, London. White enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, gold beetle and poker hands, steel center seconds.
Gold, engine turned case back centered with the armorials of Edward Lascelles, both bezels decorated with engraved stylized leaf form decoration, the band with a concealed catch above 2 o’clock for opening case front and above 10 o’clock for opening the case back which is hinged to reveal a plain gilded dust cap with winding square, start/stop slide beneath bezel between 2 and 3 o’clock, case with maker’s mark GR for Gaspard Richard, with mahogany fitted box with sliding cover and a key.
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Diameter: 61 mm
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Signed: Vulliamy London
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The Arms to the case back are those of Edward Lascelles M.P.(1740-1820), who was created 1st Earl of Harewood in 1812. Edward was the cousin and heir of Edwin Lascelles (1713- 1795), 1st Baron Harewood, who died childless in 1790. Edward inherited the family seat of Harewood House, an important estate designed by architects Robert Adam and John Carr with landscaping by Capability Brown. Harewood house was built by Edwin Lascelles between 1759 and 1771.

From around 1792, Justin Vulliamy began signing his watches simply ‘Vulliamy’, his son Benjamin having been in the business for some years. Justin Vulliamy died in 1797. The Vulliamy’s used a bridge cock when they fitted bimetallic spiral compensation. This is mounted on a revolving plate, the position of which can be altered with a micrometer screw fixed near the edge of the top plate; regulation is by means of an arm and scale opposite. Interestingly, the tool for making the compensation – sometimes called the ‘Chelsea Bun’ – is thought to be the one which Benjamin Vulliamy purchased in the sale of Larcum Kendall’s workshop at Christie’s in December 1790. 

Justin Vulliamy was the founder of three generations of watch and clockmakers who were active between 1730 and 1854. He was the partner of Benjamin Gray between 1730-1775. Justin’s son Benjamin was active from 1775-1820 and Benjamin’s son, Benjamin Lewis continued the business until his death in 1854. The Vulliamys are especially well known for their use of the duplex escapement.