Edward East, Londini

• gilt full plate movement, pierced and engraved pinned-on balance cock, plain steel balance, gut line fusee, ratchet and click set-up, turned baluster pillars • engraved gilt dial, townscape to the centre with river and gnarled tree in the foreground, outer band with floral decoration, a putto's head above twelve, applied silver chapter ring with Roman numerals and quarter-hour markings, blued steel hand • faceted rock crystal case, bezel and case body with simple palm-leaf engraving • movement signed Edwardus East Londini

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 55 pl. 19

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. Dial and case in very good condition.
"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."

This is a remarkably small watch of very fine quality. Notably its miniaturisation has not led to any loss of quality to the finishing of its parts, or impacted its overall design. The handsome radiating facets of the rock crystal covers suggest flower heads.

Without question one of the most important of early English watchmakers, Edward East was born in Southill, Bedfordshire in 1602. In 1632, he was made one of the first assistants of the Clockmakers’ Company, was Warden in 1638 and Master in 1645 and 1653. In 1660 he was appointed chief clockmaker to King Charles II. In October 1692, East gave £100 to the Clockmakers’ Company with the interest to be used to support poor members. See Loomes, The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain, 1981, p. 206.  Edward East lived through almost the entire 17^th century and died in 1697 leaving an extraordinary legacy of exceptional watches and clocks.