WILLIAM WAIGHT, BIRMINGHAM

• Movement: gilded full plate, lever escapement with Massey ‘Type I’ roller, ratchet toothed escape wheel, plain steel three-arm balance, decoratively engraved balance cock
signed Massey’s Patent, diamond endstone, Bosley’s form of regulation, standing barrel, cylindrical pillars, movement signed Waight, Birmingham, No. 440
• Dial: gold, chapter ring with polished Roman numerals against a stippled ground, outer minute ring, decoratively engine-turned centre, gold spade hands
• Case: gold, engine-turned case back, ribbed band, case back with London 18kt gold hallmarks for 1816 and with maker’s mark LC incuse with scroll above for Louis Comtesse

Terence Camerer Cuss, the English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 356-357, pl. 228

T.P. & T.A. Camerer Cuss, The Camerer Cuss book of Antique Watches, 1987, p. 180, pl. 107

T. P. Camerer Cuss, The Country Life Book of Watches, 1967, p. 83, pl. 102

Cecil Clutton & George Daniels, Watches, 1965, figs. 480-481, 1979, figs 263a-b

The inside case back with a watch paper for Waight - stating: "Waight Clock & Watch Maker, 36 Bull Street, Birmingham, gold rings." Movement not running at time of cataloguing, pump wind action appears to be operational. Hand setting operational. Dial generally in good condition with a scratch to the centre, some light scuffs. Engine turning to case in good clear condition. Cover closes securely.
"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."

Signed by William Waight, this watch incorporates Massey’s Patent. Edward Massey, a Coventry maker, was born in 1772. In November 1814, Massey was granted patent 3854 to cover both his first form of lever escapement and his pump winding mechanism. The winding is activated by a ratchet mounted on the going barrel arbor which is wound by a spring-loaded rack operated when the pendant is depressed. Massey’s contribution to the development of the lever escapement was important as he was the first maker to introduce a simple and reasonably priced version of the escapement, thereby helping to transform the escapement’s commercial potential and reviving the lever’s development which had stalled since the end of the 18th century. For further information see Alan
Treherne, The Massey Family, museum exhibition catalogue, Newcastle-under-Lyme, 1977.