Rare English sterling silver open faced deck watch Circa 1837

Silver open faced deck watch by Justin Vulliamy
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A rare sterling silver English deck watch, circa 1837.
Sterling silver tiered case with reeded band, signed dome; No. 1, Vulliamy, London, 68 Pall Mall, AD 1838, and case maker’s punch mark EW. Enamel dial with radial Roman hours and Arabic minutes, auxiliary seconds, and blued hands. Full plate movement, gilt, moulded pillars, chain/fusee, English lever escapement with ruby palettes, early bimetallic compensation balance with six gold screws, gold balance spring, diamond endstone on balance, and fine adjusting device.
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Diameter: 61 mm
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Weight: 245 g
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Signed: Vulliamy, London, 68 Pall Mall
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Although this watch is “only” fitted with an English lever escapement, the movement is, certainly, a fine precision instrument to be used for navigation, expedition, and observatory purposes. It was made by the Vulliamys in London, who were famed for their outstanding clocks and watches. This watchmaking family, originally from Switzerland, set the standards in precision watchmaking in England for more than three generations; the details of their family history can be found in the paper on “Vulliamy rms”.
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Justin Vulliamy (1712-1797)
Renowned in London as an excellent watchmaker, the Swiss-born Vulliamy went into partnership with Benjamin Gray, watchmaker for King George II, in 1730. After Gray’s death in 1764, Vulliamy continued his business by himself.