The present lot belongs to a series of approximately twenty-two pieces produced over a period of forty years. Today eleven pieces are known to have survived. The first two pieces made were sold sometime around 1856-7. The present lot belongs to the final part of the series which was finished in three small groups in the late 1880s and 1890s. For a similar example, numbered 07324, see: Sotheby's London, Celebration of the English Watch, Part II, 7 July 2016, lot 77.  For further information on these deck watches see: Camerer Cuss, The English Watch, 1585-1970, pp. 416-419.

In 1843 Charles Frodsham bought the firm J.R. Arnold with the firm renamed Arnold and Frodsham. This was a bold move as it set Frodsham up at 84 Strand. He retained the double name until 1858 when the firm Charles Frodsham, 84 Strand, was officially established. Through his many publications and timepieces, Frodsham dedicated himself to the exploration and education of time and its many forms. He continued to achieve acclaim for his work from chronometers to barometers, reversed fusee and both lever and double rotary escapements. The Frodsham balance, which was designed for astronomical accuracy can be found in carriage clocks and some mantel clocks dating to as early as 1851. Charles Frodsham became free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1845 and Master of the Company in 1855. He served as Master of the Company for a second time in 1862, that same year he was elected Vice-President of the British Horological Institute, of which he was one of the original members. In 1855 he won the Gold Medal of Honour at the Paris Exhibition. In 1862 he was awarded the Medal of Honour for his service as a juror at the Great International Exhibition in South Kensington. He continued to achieve recognition at exhibitions from Russia to Paris. Charles Frodsham excelled at his art until his death in January, 1871, at the age of 60.

Upon Charles's death, his son, Harrison Mill Frodsham, took charge of the firm and incorporated it in 1893 as Charles Frodsham & Co. Ltd.  Harrison Mill Frodsham proved to be an able horologist and businessman and the firm continued to flourish as a maker of fine timepieces, as the present lot exemplifies.