THOMAS TOMPION | SILVER PAIR-CASED VERGE WATCHNO. 4372CIRCA 1710

Dial: silver champlevé, Roman numerals and Arabic outer minute chapter, steel beetle and poker handsMovement: gilt full plate fusée verge, winged balance cock pierced and engraved with foliate scrolls and mask, large Egyptian pillars, silvered regulation, steel three-arm balanceMovement number: 4372Case: stamped WS for William Sherwood, outer plainCase number: 4372Dimensions: 56mm diameterSigned: dial and movementAccessories: none

The watch was sold at Christie's Salerooms, London, Wednesday April 19th, 1978 for a hammer price of £85.00 This watch is listed in Jeremy Evans', 'The Dial and Three Crowns, ' P. 94

DIAL: Overall in good condition, some light scratches. Solder to the base of the hour hand. CASE: The watch bow has been changed ( this is visible from the previous 1978 catalogue) and the outer hinge has possibly had a repair. Indentations to the band of the inner case. Tarnishing to the outer case. MOVEMENT: Movement running at the time of cataloguing. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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 Tompion, one of the most celebrated English watchmakers, was born at Ickwell Green in Bedfordshire in 1639. He originally trained as a blacksmith, eventually transitioning to clock and watchmaking. He became a celebrated and prolific maker, with numerous noble patrons, but the fact that so many of his watches survive is a testament to the undiminished quality of his work.