Edward East, A gold Enamel Watch, London, Mid 17th century

gilt verge movement, baluster pillars, plain steel three armed balance, worm and wheel set-up regulator now lacking wheel, fusee and gut, pinned floral spray cock inhabited by a dolphin, turned pillars, the champlevé enamel dial with polychrome flowers and leafage on an opaque white enamel ground, single hand, the bezel and case with matching polychrome enamel decoration, with plain outer silver protective case, movement signed Eduardus East Fecit, some enamel losses and restoration.

Time Museum Inventory no. 3766

Edward East was born at Southill, Bedfordshire in 1602. At the time there was no Clockmakers' Company and so the young East was apprenticed in the Goldsmiths' Company in 1618.  In 1631, King Charles I granted the clockmakers in the City of London a Charter to form their own company.  Edward East was one of the original members.  From the start he took an active interest and in 1645 was elected Master, an honor which was bestowed again in 1652.  Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, East was appointed Chief Clockmaker to King Charles II.  The exact date of Edward East's death remains unknown but his will was proved on February 3, 1687.