Benjamin Hill, London

• gilt full plate verge movement, screwed on florally decorated balance cock, worm and wheel set-up, signed Benjamin Hill, Londini • matt gilt dial with silvered eccentric chapter ring, roman numerals, silvered subsidiary dials for calendar and astronomical work, apertures for moon-phases, Signs of the Zodiac, day of the week and month • plain silver case with shutter to the winding hole, loose ring bow, the silver mounted outer case finely decorated with piqué work, square five bar hinge

The Marryat Collection.

Clutton & Daniels, Watches, fig. 85 a-c.

An excellent example of an early English watch. The movement in going order but requires cleaning. Dial in good condition as is the case. Bow slightly mis-shaped. No marks to the case.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Benjamin Hill was apprenticed to Richard Child and Free of the Clockmakers' Company on the 14th January 1640. He was then later Master of the Clockmakers' Company in 1657. He is recorded as having a wife named Gunnett and together they had at least eight children. Hill died in September 1670 and was buried at St Dunstan's-in the-West. 

An interesting article for Antiquarian Horology written by Jeremy Evans on Benjamin Hill gives an illuminating account of his life, including the detailed inventory of his will. Also mentioned in the article is an advertisement in the London Gazette, dated 1684, which describes a silver watch by Benjamin Hill which bears the waxing and waning of the moon, days of the week, hours of the day, days of the month and signs of the planets, the watch was recovered from an apprehended robber by the Keeper of Newgate London and invites possible owners to come forward.

Other examples of watches by Benjamin Hill can be found in the collections of the British Museum, Victorian and Albert Museum, the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers at the Guildhall in the City of London and the Museum of London.

For further information see Antiquarian Horology, vol.XXV, p.47-49 and vol.XXVI p.52-61.