Astronomical Clock by Samuel Watson
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1690-1710
According to the Science Museum Group, this spring-driven pendulum astronomical clock was signed and made by Samuel Watson in London around 1695, within a broader dating of 1690–1710.
Housed in an ebonised case surmounted by classical metal figurines, it is reported by the museum as the earliest English astronomical clock in which the Sun is positioned according to the Copernican principle. Its dial provides the time of day, calendar date, position of the Sun in the Zodiac, lunar phase and latitude for eclipse calculations, times of sunrise, moonrise, and moonset, and high tide at London Bridge.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Pedestal astronomical clock
- Maker
- Samuel Watson
- Clock Type
- Spring driven pendulum clock
- Date Range
- 1690-1710
- Case Finish
- Ebonised case
- Measurements
- 970 mm x 540 mm x 340 mm, 31 kg
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Samuel Watson
Design
- Visible features
- • Square brass dial plate with elaborate openwork corner spandrels displaying cherubic and scrollwork motifs. • Multiple concentric calibrated rings showing Roman numerals, zodiacal indications, and calendar graduations. • Central blued steel hands including an ornate hour hand and an arm with a viewing circular aperture over the inner disk. • Black ebonised case with glazed door, resting on a pedestal base and crowned by three standing figurative finials.
- Maker and Historical Attribution
- According to the Science Museum Group, this astronomical clock is signed by Samuel Watson, London, and was made about 1695, within a broader catalogued dating of 1690–1710. Museum records note that Watson was born in Coventry about 1635 and worked there until moving to London around 1690, before dying about 1710. The museum records state that this is the earliest English astronomical clock in which the sun is fixed on the Copernican principle. A separate gallery label noted in the source documentation adds that Watson constructed a much more elaborate astronomical clock between 1683 and 1690 to the order of King Charles II, which is now in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.
- Dial Indications and Observations
- Visual examination reveals a square brass dial plate fitted with openwork corner spandrels depicting cherubic and scrollwork motifs, alongside concentric calibrated rings displaying Roman numerals, zodiacal indications, and calendar graduations. Central blued steel hands include an ornate hour hand and an arm with a viewing circular aperture positioned over an inner disk. Institutional text reports that the dial indicates the time of day, calendar date, position of the Sun in the Zodiac, lunar phase and latitude (noted as important for eclipse predictions), sunrise, moonrise, and moonset, and allows high tide at London Bridge to be read off.
- Case Construction and Exterior Presentation
- The clock is housed in an ebonised case resting on a pedestal base, featuring a glazed door and crowned by three standing figurative finials. Recorded materials for the main assembly (part 1970-25 Pt1) comprise unidentified wood, brass, bronze, glass, and steel. Overall measurements in the main summary are recorded as 970 mm by 540 mm by 340 mm with a weight of 31 kg, whereas the entry for part 1970-25 Pt1 lists dimensions as 1000 mm by 570 mm by 340 mm at 31 kg. The object is accompanied by one cranked winding key and two door keys.
Identification
- Object Number
- 1970-25
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Internal pendulum movement and mechanical gears are enclosed and not visible in the primary exterior photograph.
- Research required: Seven or eight detached movement pieces and keys catalogued as parts 1970-25 Pt2 and Pt3 are not displayed in this image.