Jacques de Bulcke

• incomplete verge movement signed on the backplate Jaecq*e Bulcke, wheel and click set up, pierced and engraved barrel for alarm, striking on a bell inside the back; gear train and barrel replaced, fusee lacking gut line, backplate lacking balance cock and balance • gilt dial, chapter ring with Roman numerals and outer touch pins, the edge of the dial with scrolling foliage, lacking alarm disc to centre • the case front pierced and engraved with heart shaped apertures for the hours and centred by a stylised flower, the inside of the lid similarly decorated, the case back pierced and engraved with interlocking flowers and floral scrolls, similarly decorated band, bow with loose ring

As catalogued the gear train has been changed and the barrel is not original. The alarm train appears to be ok and will sound, there is a small solder repair to the casing of the alarm barrel. Again, as catalogued, much of the backplate furniture, the balance and cock are all lacking. The wheel and click "bow and arrow form" set up appears to be original. The hand and alarm disc are both lacking. Case is generally in attractive overall condition for the age, there is a small indentation to the right hand side of the band.
"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."

Jacques de Bulcke is one of the earliest known English watchmakers. It is without doubt, therefore, that the present lot is one of the earliest surviving English watches and was made during a fascinating period in English history as the great Elizabethan era was drawing to a close.

Baillie notes de Bulcke was employed to repair the clocks kept within the Tower of London; this must have been a great honour and an indication of his renowned skill. Our research, with the kind assistance of David Thompson, Curator of Horology at the British Museum, indicates that there are possibly four tambour cased watches by de Bulcke (including the present example) that are known to have survived; one of which is in the British Museum, the other at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. The tambour case was derived from the early drum-shaped spring-driven clocks and was a popular design for watches until the mid 16th Century when more rounded cases started to appear. The touch pins positioned at the hours allow the time to be read in the dark.

See Baille, G. H., Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, Volume 1, 1951, p.45; for another tambour cased watch by de Bulcke, see Clutton, C., & Daniels, G., Watches, Sotheby Parke Bernet, Second Edition, 1971, plates 64a-c.