A rare gilt-metal and rock crystal watch, Edward East, London, circa 1650/1660

gilt verge movement with fusee and gut, turned pillars, balance cock pierced and engraved with foliate scrolls and matching irregular foot, the dial centered with an engraved pastoral scene, applied chapter ring with roman numerals and fleur-de-lis spacers, single blued steel hand, the outer ring engraved with foliate scrolls, faceted rock crystal case, front lid with later bezel and probably replaced cover, pendant replaced.

Percy Webster, London, 1952.

Edward East, a fine early English watch and clockmaker, was born at Southill, Bedfordshire in 1602. At the time there was no Clockmakers' Company and so the young East was apprenticed in the Goldsmith's Company in 1618 and made Free to work on his own account in 1627. By 1622 there were sixteen clock and watch makers in London and there was concern that their work reputation was being harmed by an influx of foreigners, i.e. those who had not served an apprenticeship and were not Freeman of a company or a guild. Most of the Freeman clockmaker's had obtained their freedom through the Blacksmith's Company but they wished to have a Company of their own. At first this was opposed by the Blacksmiths but eventually, on August 22, 1631, their Charter was granted by King Charles I empowering the clockmakers to control the horological trade in the City of London and 'within ten miles thereof'.

Edward East was one of the ten original assistants at the time of the incorporation of the Charter of the Clockmakers' Company. From the start he took an active interest and in 1645 was elected Master, an honor which was bestowed on him again in 1652.

In November 1660, following the restoration of the monarchy, East was appointed Chief clockmaker to King Charles II. It is not known exactly when Edward East died but his will was proved on February 3, 1697.