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The octagonal case of multi-faceted 'smokey' quartz crystal with silver gilt mounts, the base hollowed out for the movement and the inner front cover similarly worked to clear the hands, having a fixed pendant and hinged front cover. The two part dial with a round champleve inner chapter, having Roman hour numerals, outer minutes, five minute Arabic divisions and attractively pierced gilt hands, the centre bearing a cartouche engraved 'LONDON' and having a gilt, decorative octagonal mask. The gilt, chain fusee movement with decoratively pierced balance cock, silvered regulator disc, four wheel train with verge escapement and balance with hairspring, the top plate engraved LONDON, T. Cadogan 806.

This is a very late and particularly fine example of a crystal watch. The use of quartz is most usually associated with the beginning of the 17th century and was rarely used towards the end of that century, this one being of the more desirable 'smokey' quartz. The movement is typical of the late 17th century and is considerably better made than its earlier counterparts, having a hairspring which performs with greater accuracy and facilitates the use of two hands. The arrangement of the signature is unusual, being signed, 'T. Cadogan' on the plate only, a name so far unknown in the history of watches. It is possible, however, that this is the name of the original owner, and it may be his portrait on the balance cock. The Cadogans were a property owning dynasty in central London who would certainly have been able to commission such a fine and expensive piece.



Date: Circa 1695

Dimensions: 41 x 32 mm.

Price: P.O.A.