Extremely rare English marine chronometer in mahogany box Circa 1825

Marine chronometer with 24h regulator dial
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An extremely rare marine chronometer with 24h regulator dial, made by Thomas Cummins in London, Switzerland, circa 1825. The open faced brass case is fitted in to a mahogany box with a gimbal suspension. The extremely rare Regulator dial has a 24 hour dial, half seconds indication and blued steel hands. The movement has a spring detent chronometer escapement.
Dial and movement are signed.
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Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 20 cm
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Signed: Th. Cummins, London
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The watch was part of one of the most important European chronometer collections.
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Thomas Cummins
Although he was one of the most important English chronometer makers, Thomas Cummins also was a little known maker. He is recorded as a member of the Clockmakers’ Company from 1806-1820, with pieces finished between 1825-1827. Cummins had a small output of high quality watches. Currently, less than a half dozen pieces are known.  Clutton and Daniels, Watches notes that Cummins was the first English Maker of the second generation who regarded the lever watch as a precision instrument. Cummins’ lever escapements employed a refined version of Massey’s type IV lever. The present example appears to be the only known Cummins watch to include resilient banking work. Of further note is the somewhat diminutive size of the present lot, measuring 52mm, it is considered the smallest watch known by this maker.
Cummins used a double numbering system for his watches, the first part is the series number of the watch and the second is for the date of completion.

More about Thomas Cummins see Camerer Cuss, The English Watch.