English gold quarter repeating pocket by Tompion Circa 1700

Kenmerk: FB0284
Diameter: 52 mm

Estimate: € 12.500 - 20.000
Price sold: € 11.200

Gold pair cased quarter repeating repousse verge by Thomas Tompion
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An English fine 18 carat gold pair cased key wind quarter repeating repousse verge watch, circa 1700. Gilt full plate fusee verge, pierced and engraved winged balance cock, polished steel 3-arm balance, silver regulation (loose), polished hammers striking on a bell.
Later white enamel dial, black Roman numerals, black outer minute track with Arabic numeral five-minute markers.
Finely engraved and pierced inner case depicting fauna and birds, bell secured by 1 screw, pierced outer case depicting fauna and birds. Movement, outer case stamped W.S.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Signed: Thomas Tompion London
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Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) is commonly referred to as the father of English clockmaking and is undoubtedly the greatest Watch and Clockmaker of the 17th Century.

Born on the 25th July 1639 the son of a blacksmith, little is known of Tompions life before he was admitted to the Clockmakers Company on the 4th September 1671. From there he gained his freedom of the Company in 1674 and became Master in 1704.

His workshops were renowned and he had patrons in the highest levels of English society and with good reason. He has created some of the greatest clocks in the world and was one of the first to use balance springs in watches. He famously employed George Graham who married his niece and succeeded him in the company.
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Includes Key.

Signed: Thomas Tompion London