Robert Fleetwood, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and floral engraved masked balance cock, diamond endstone, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, alarm striking on a bell to the inside case back • gilt metal dust cap, dust cap and movement signed Robt. Fleetwood, London 8220
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands, female setting square for alarm between 3 and 4 o’clock with corresponding blued steel arrow-head alarm hand • signed Fleetwood, London
• Case: silver inner case pierced and engraved with floral decoration inhabited by dolphins’ heads, a grotesque mask to the base and pastoral scene beneath the pendant, winding for
alarm and going trains either side of a central engraved floral bouquet • case maker’s mark IW for John Wright, outer silver case with pierced and engraved bezels with floral engraved decoration

Movement running and striking at time of cataloguing. Bell scratch signed Drury. Dial with a couple of hairline cracks running from the centre to the edge of the dial between 3 and 4 o'clock, a couple of further light hairlines just beneath. Inner case with some minor depressions to the band, decoration remains clear, some light scuffs. The outer case with some light rubbing to the decoration but this remains clear. Two later keys with the watch - one female key for winding both barrels, one female setting square for the alarm adjustment, however the male key does not fit the hour/minute hand setting.
"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."

This unusual alarm watch, made around 1760, uses a female setting square to adjust the central alarm indicator hand, rather than the manually set disc which was commonplace
prior to this period. The well finished alarm mechanism is reminiscent of Stogden’s repeating work and strikes a bell to the inside case back.

F.J. Britten records Robert Fleetwood as being a member of the Goldsmiths Company with two addresses – Featherstone Buildings, Holborn in 1760 and 13 Abchurch Lane in 1766.
Britten also notes Fleetwood’s death as in 1789.