Barraud Pocket Chronometer No. 10/5342
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1802-1803
This silver pocket chronometer is signed by Barraud of Cornhill, London, and is hallmarked to the 1802-1803 period. The watch features a plain double-body silver case and is accompanied by a later protecting case.
Its white enamel dial displays Roman numerals and includes a subsidiary seconds register. The movement is a gilt brass full plate construction, equipped with cylindrical pillars and a fusee with maintaining power. The technical assembly utilizes an Earnshaw type spring detent escapement. It is fitted with a plain three-armed gilt brass balance and a flat balance spring incorporating sugar-tong compensation. While sold by Barraud, research by C.
Jagger suggests that these chronometers, particularly those with the specific sugar-tong compensation mechanism, were produced by Thomas Earnshaw. The piece measures 53 mm in diameter. Two chronometers of similar construction, No. 31/5815 and 32/5816, are referenced in the 1968 publication Paul Philip Barraud.
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
- Pocket chronometer
- Maker
- Barraud, Cornhill, London
- Diameter
- 53 mm
- Hallmark date
- 1802-1803
- Serial number
- 10/5342
- Place recorded
- London, England
- Escapement type
- Earnshaw type spring detent
- Compensation method
- Sugar-tong
- Maker / attribution
- Barraud, Cornhill, London
- Production attribution
- Thomas Earnshaw
Design
- Case and Dial
- The pocket chronometer is housed in a plain double-body silver case measuring 53 mm in diameter. The exterior is characterized by a simple design without ornamental engraving. A later protecting case is provided alongside the watch, serving to shield the primary silver housing. The white enamel dial features a standard layout with Roman numeral hour markers. Positioned separately is a subsidiary seconds dial, which provides a secondary reading for the chronometer. The clear contrast of the white enamel with the dark numerals and hands serves the timekeeping function of the instrument.
- Visible features
- • Case is plain silver and double-bodied • Movement includes cylindrical pillars • Subsidiary seconds dial with Roman numerals • Gilt brass full plate movement
- Movement Construction
- The interior contains a gilt brass full plate movement. This plate structure is secured by cylindrical pillars, . Power is transmitted through a fusee system equipped with maintaining power to ensure consistent force during winding. The escapement is an Earnshaw-type spring detent mechanism, known for its specific function in precision timekeeping. The balance assembly consists of a plain three-armed gilt brass balance, paired with a flat balance spring. This spring assembly incorporates a sugar-tong compensation mechanism, .
- Attribution and Literature
- While the dial and movement are signed by Barraud of Cornhill, London, external research suggests a more complex origin for the piece. C. Jagger notes that pocket chronometers of this specific configuration, characterized by the presence of sugar-tong compensation, were manufactured by Thomas Earnshaw. This attribution is supported by literature published in 1968 titled 'Paul Philip Barraud'. Within this work, the author compares the present example to two other chronometers, numbered 31/5815 and 32/5816, which share similar technical specifications. This reference links the chronometer to the broader production context of Earnshaw-produced instruments sold under the Barraud name.
Identification
- Serial number
- 10/5342
- 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: Production by Thomas Earnshaw is suggested by C. Jagger rather than confirmed maker mark
- Research required: The later protecting case is not defined as original to the chronometer