Thomas Earnshaw

• Movement: gilded full plate movement, spring detent escapement, two-arm bi-metallic compensation balance with wedge shaped weights and timing screws, balance cock with diamond endstone, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars • movement signed and numbered Thos. Earnshaw Invt et Fecit No. 487/2828
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, subsidiary seconds, gold hands • dial signed and numbered Thos. Earnshaw Invt et Fecit No. 487/2828
• Case: plain gold cases, the inner with winding aperture to back, both cases hallmarked 1799, outer case with maker’s mark TC beneath an axe for Thomas Carpenter

Sotheby’s Geneva, 13th November 1990, lot 428.

Movement running at time of cataloguing. Dial with feint hairline above and to the left of the centre, a few scratches also. Bezel appears to have small split to base. Case with light scuffs.
"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."

In their own lifetimes, the invention of the spring detent escapement was the subject of an acrimonious dispute between Thomas Earnshaw and John Arnold. The dispute was exacerbated by a clash of characters and the bitterness of rivals, a story that is fascinatingly re-told in Vaudrey Mercer’s excellent work, John Arnold & Son.

For a note on Thomas Earnshaw and his spring detent escapement, see lot 39.

Earnshaw trained as a watch finisher. This is one of a number of watches which he finished in a such a way as to demonstrate how to avoid unnecessary costs and still maintain the highest standards. He has not gilded the plates nor blued any of the steel parts. The movement is not hinged to the case but secured with screws. Apart from the finish, the movement of the present watch, no. 487/2828, is to the same
specification as Earnshaw no. 626/3069 which is illustrated in T. Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 325, pl. 205. Both 626/3069 and the present watch have the same dial and hands and the cases are by the same makers.