Thomas Earnshaw

• 15’’’ gilt full plate cylinder movement, balance cock pierced and engraved with scrolls, diamond endstone • white enamel dial, stylized Arabic numerals, outer minute track • outer gilt metal case with glazed back, inner gold case, bezels set with pearls heightened by blue enamel, back with blue translucent blue enamel over guilloché centered by a medallion with a braided lock of hair • movement signed

Movement running at time of cataloging, however not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Outer case with loss of finish, missing front glazed cover. Inner case in very good condition, enamel with light surface scratches. Dial in good condition with no visible hairlines, minute hand replaced. Movement with light scratches and patina.
"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."

Thomas Earnshaw (1749-1829) was an influential watchmaker specializing in chronometers. Following the methods of his contemporary John Arnold (see lot 227 for an example from Arnold's son, John Roger) Earnshaw developed a chronometer detent escapement mounted on springs rather than the previous method of pivoting the detent. Earnshaw's most recognized contribution to horology, however, is the bi-metallic compensation balance, seen in modern watches with regularity.