John Arnold, London

• gilt full plate movement with Arnold spring detent escapement and early double S balance with gold helical spring, free sprung, signed John Arnold, London Invt. et Fecit No 9-61 • white enamel dial, roman numerals, outer arabic minute ring, large subsidiary seconds, signed John Arnold, London below XII • plain polished back engraved with monogram surmounted with a coronet (possibly for the Earl of Mansfield) • hallmarked for London 1789, case maker's mark WL (William Laithwait)

Sotheby's & Co., 29^th July, 1963, lot 249.

The Marryat Collection.

Hans Staeger, 100 Years of Precision Timekeepers from John Arnold to Arnold & Frodsham 1763 - 1862, 1997, p.67-68.

Vaudrey Mercer, Arnold & Son, The Antiquarian Horological Society, 1972, p.210

The movement not in going order but appears complete. will require cleaning. White enamel dial with insignificant chip between 30 and 35 of the minute ring. Case in good condition with very light scuffs.
"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."

Born in 1736 and apprenticed to his father, also a clockmaker, in Bodmin, Cornwall, John Arnold represents one of the most famous English makers. Sometime in 1755, when he was 19, he left England and worked as a watchmaker in The Hague, Holland, returning to England around 1757. In 1764 he presented George III with a half-quarter repeating watch set in a ring "and the whole movement was only a third of an inch in diameter. The King was so pleased with this mechanical wonder, that he presented the donor with five hundred guineas". Towards 1768 Arnold began his research into marine chronometers. He was admitted to the Clockmakers' Company in 1783.
He realised that a detached escapement would be highly desirable and this led him to invent a detent escapement, circa 1781, which bears his name. To overcome isochronal variation he invented the helical balance spring.
In 1787 he took his son, John Roger Arnold, into partnership, changing the business name to "Arnold & Son", which was retained until his death.

John Harrision had led the way with his wonderful sea-clocks but it was Arnold who took the next steps in a relatively short time. Towards the end of the 18th Century accurate marine chronometers became available in reasonable quantity at economical cost as a result of Arnold's work.

Clutton & Daniels, Watches, p. 49-53 and 267.

Mercer, V., John Arnold and Son, 1972, p. 6-26.