Thomas Tompion

7 x 8-inch latched dial with double-screwed cherub mask and leaf scroll spandrels, the finely matted centre with mock pendulum and date apertures, the date with pinhole adjustment, the upper corners with regulation and strike/not strike dials flanking the signature Tho. Tompion Londini Fecit, the double fusee bell striking movement with seven knopped and ring-turned latched pillars, reinstated verge escapement with rise and fall regulation, the backplate signed as the dial within an oval cartouche and numbered at the base 287, profusely engraved with flowers and foliate scrolls, mounted with inter-connected blued steel repeating levers, the similarly numbered front plate mounted with the unusual trip repeating work driven by the strike train and sounding a single blow on a small bell for each of the four quarters followed by the hour on a larger bell, the moulded case similarly numbered on the front door cill, with gilt-brass carrying handle to the domed top and gilt mounts to the front door; together with a very rare contemporary oak travelling case with iron fittings

Anonymous sale in these rooms, 13th December 1963, Lot 86
R.A. Lee, 3rd January 1964, £2,350
Travelling case bought from R.A. Lee, 8th January 1969, £650
Christies, 5th December 1991, Lot 29
Private collection, Channel Islands
Richard Garnier, 9th September 2004

Dial in good original condition. The movement with re-conversion to verge from anchor, in good condition throughout but in need of a clean. Case in generally good condition with minor veneer cracks, lower front door mount possibly replaced. with pendulum and 2 case keys but no winder. Associated contemporary travelling case in good condition but with no keys.
"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."

Thomas Tompion, the most highly respected English clockmaker, was born at Ickwell Green, Bedfordshire in 1639. He moved to London and joined the Clockmakers' Company as a Free Brother in 1671. In 1674 he set up his workshop at the sign of  The Dial and Three Crowns in Water Street and shortly afterwards met Dr. Robert Hooke, the leading physicist and mathematician of his day. Through Dr. Hooke, Tompion came to the notice of Charles II and from this time held an unrivalled position in English horology. He devised a numbering system for his clocks and watches between 1680 and 1685 which was continued after his death by his successor George Graham. This clock, No. 287, has an unusual form of quarter repeating and has been married with a very rare contemporary oak travelling case of such good fit that it could almost have been made for it.