Lot 8
  • 8

John Willowe

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • A RARE AND EARLY SILVER AND GILT-METAL CRUCIFORM WATCH CIRCA 1625-1630
  • silver and gilt metal
  • length including pendant 63 mm x 39 mm
• gilt full plate cruciform shaped movement, verge escapement, elaborate pinned-on pierced and engraved 'S' form balance cock, click set-up with pierced and engraved decoration, round baluster pillars, fusee • silver cruciform dial engraved with scenes including the Holy Shroud and Resurrection, gilt chapter ring with Roman numerals, single blued steel hand • the hinged front cover depicting Christ on the Cross beneath the sun and the inscription INRI, the surrounding facets show Instruments of the Passion and angels interspersed with floral scrolls, the inside of the lid depicting the Sacred Heart to the centre and the blood of Christ, the hinged back centred with the Beatification of the Virgin beneath the sun and flanked by angels, the surrounding facets with decorative motifs including a cock and chalice, the inside of the lid with the sacred IHS inscription, the edges of the case with decoratively engraved gilt metal bands, elaborate pierced and engraved trefoil pendant • movement signed Jo Willowe In Flee ste     

Provenance

Antiquorum, Geneva, 31st & 1st, March and April, The Sandberg Watch Collection, lot 322

Literature

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p.39, pl. 14

Terence Camerer Cuss, The Sandberg Watch Collection, pp. 360-361

Condition

Movement running at time of cataloguing. Some splits and small losses to the gilt metal band, most noticeably to the top right of the crucifix. The engraved decoration to the silver dial retains good definition. Decoration to the inside of the lids also remain clear. Decoration to the front and back lids with some rubbing but scenes and motifs are still clearly visible. A few small pin head holes to the covers.
"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."

Catalogue Note

John Willowe was apprenticed in the Blacksmiths' Company to Robert Grinkin senior in 1609. He obtained his freedom in 1617 and, like Grinkin, he was one of the 1622 Petitioners of the Clockmakers to the King; he was also a witness to his former master's will. This watch was probably made a few years before 1630 and before Willowe became a founder member of the Clockmakers' Company. He was one of the first three Wardens in 1631-2 and Master in 1635. John Willowe died in 1655. An oval cased watch by John Willowe, dating to c. 1615-1620, is in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, a further watch by Willowe in a scallop shaped case can be found in the collection of the British Museum.