Stock No. | SR355 |
Height | Diameter 53.5 mm. |
An English Astronomical Watch by Robert Seignior, London
The silver gilt, open face case with engine turned back and milled band. The exquisitely matted dial with finely engraved hands pointing to the numerous indicators which show the following:-
The top central disc: Date, month, sign of the zodiac, entry dates of the zodiac and the days in each month. The single hand and inner disc rotate, there being a fleur-de-lys pointer between December and January which indicates the day of the month.
The bottom central dial: This indicates the twelve hours by a single arrow headed hand, the half hour divisions are shown by engraved fleur-de-lys.
The left hand dial: The days of the week with their allegorical figures.
The cluster of three dials to the right show the phase of the moon with the moon set above and the age of the moon below.
The fusee movement has Egyptian pillars with a three wheel train and hand filed teeth. The back plate retains the worm and wheel set up with its beautiful blued steel supports and large scroll signature, Robert Seignior Londini Fecit. The drive to the astronomical work is via five wheels and three pinions concealed behind the dial.
The cluster of three dials to the right show the phase of the moon with the moon set above and the age of the moon below.
This watch was updated in the early 19th century when a hairspring and new balance cock were fitted. These additions would have vastly improved the timekeeping and probably saved it from being scrapped. Presumably at the same time the substantial, purpose made case was fitted, as it is hallmarked 1819.
This watch was the subject of a very well researched article in the Spring 1994 edition of the journal of the, Antiquarian Horological Society. It appears that only six similar watches are known to exist, some being oval. They are so similar that it is suggested they all came from the same workshop. (To our knowledge, the only other similar watch to come up for sale in recent years was at Christies London on 11th March 2005, lot number 219, an oval example signed Edmund Gilpin, possibly with later outer case, cock and balance.)
Clock maker: | Robert Seignior |
Circa: | 1675 |
Height: | Diameter 53.5 mm. |
Price: | SOLD |