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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

Early mock pendulum with calendar

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
c. 1700
Country of origin
Unrecorded in source
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
silver
Dimensions
Diameter 57.5 mm
Stock no.
Product 5611
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 5611)
Catalogue title (original)
Early mock pendulum with calendar (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 5611), this is a pocket watch, dated c. 1700. The Atlas places it in the Early Modern Horology period (1600 – 1750) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: silver. Recorded dimensions: Diameter 57.5 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step back in time with the “Early Mock Pendulum with Calendar – C1700,” a captivating relic from the dawn of the 18th century that embodies the elegance and ingenuity of early English watchmaking. This exquisite timepiece, crafted in silver, boasts a pair-cased design that not only reflects the opulence of its era but also the meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation. At its heart lies a stunning mock pendulum movement, a testament to the innovative spirit of the period, designed to mimic the motion of a true pendulum. The gilt verge movement, a hallmark of precision and artistry, showcases the intricate mechanical prowess that was revered in its time. This watch is more than just a timekeeper; it is a historical artifact that captures the essence of an age where timekeeping was both a science and an art. Its calendar feature adds a layer of functionality, making it a practical yet sophisticated accessory for the discerning collector. Whether you are a horology enthusiast or a lover of history, this early mock pendulum watch offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it a cherished addition to any collection. This early English silver pair cased watch features a stunning mock pendulum movement. The gilt verge movement showcases an exquisite silver plated balance cock with intricate engraving and piercing. It also has a semi-circular cutout that reveals a steel mock pendulum, adding to its visual appeal. The movement is supported by four crested tulip pillars. The watch is in good condition overall, although there is a missing section of the balance cock foot in the right-hand corner. Despite this, it is still running smoothly. The silver plating on the balance cock has worn evenly, but it still retains a pleasing color. The calendar function of the watch functions accurately, moving the calendar ring forward every 24 hours. This adds a practical touch to the timepiece. The silver champleve dial is in good condition, with only a slight amount of wear to the edges. The central disk is signed Brand, and there is a date window beneath it. The early gilt beetle and poker hands add a touch of elegance to the dial. The inner case is made of silver and does not have a maker’s mark. The bow and stem have likely been replaced at some point, and the stem has been reattached. There is some slight compression on the side of the case, as well as a few minor bruises, but overall it is in good condition. The hinge is intact, and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome crystal has some small chips along the edge, but they are mostly hidden by the bezel. The outer case is also made of silver and does not have a maker’s mark. It features a square hinge and the hinge and catch are in good working order. The case snaps closed securely. The catch button has some small dents, and there is some wear around the button, but other than that, it is in fine condition. John Brand Hurst Period:c1700 Silver pair cases, 57.5 mm Verge mock pendulum, calendar movement Condition: Good

Historical context

Early Modern Horology (1600 – 1750)

Huygens' pendulum and balance spring transform accuracy; English makers develop the anchor and deadbeat escapements.

The balance spring (c. 1675) improved watches dramatically and introduced the minute hand. English pair-cased verge watches with pierced balance cocks and French oignons were typical; enamel painting at Blois and Geneva, and the repeating watch (1680s), made watches objects of great refinement.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Renaissance Horology

Atlas type guide

Calendar, moon-phase and perpetual calendar watches

Calendar complications range from a simple date to the perpetual calendar, which automatically allows for months of different lengths and leap years until 2100. Pocket watches with perpetual calendars were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; Patek Philippe made the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and series production followed in 1941. The annual calendar (Patek Philippe, 1996) needs correction only once a year.

Moon-phase displays use a disc with two moons and 59 teeth advanced daily, approximating the 29.5-day lunation; more precise trains reduce the error to one day in over a century.

What to look for

  • Apertures or subsidiary dials for day, date, month and leap year.
  • Moon disc under a 'bosom' shaped aperture.
  • Recessed correctors on the case band for setting the calendar.

Dating clues

  • Triple-date wristwatches: popular c. 1940–1955.
  • Perpetual calendar wristwatches: from 1925 (unique) and 1941 (series).

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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