Barwise Gold Pocket Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1815
This Barwise pocket chronometer, dating to 1815, is housed in an 18-karat gold consular case featuring engine-turned decoration. The timepiece is signed by Barwise, London, on both the white enamel dial and the movement, and it bears the matching serial number 6741.
The watch utilizes a key-wind, full-plate, fire-gilt movement equipped with a fusee and chain transmission and Harrison's maintaining power. Precision timekeeping is provided by an Earnshaw-type spring detent escapement, paired with a thermally compensated balance wheel and a blue-steel helical hairspring. The jeweling includes screwed settings and a diamond endstone mounted on the balance cock. The exterior case design incorporates dust-proof grooves on the bezel and back cover, along with a security hole positioned near the movement latch to prevent unauthorized adjustment.
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
- Date
- 1815
- Type
- Pocket chronometer
- Maker
- Barwise
- Hallmark
- London 1815
- Escapement
- Earnshaw spring detent
- Case Material
- 18-karat gold
- Serial Number
- 6741
- Balance Spring
- Helical blue-steel
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Barwise
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with subsidiary seconds and Roman numerals • Engine-turned exterior finish on the gold consular case • Gold hands including a specific subsidiary seconds indicator • Visible maker's mark TH and London hallmark on the bow
- Dial and Signatures
- The watch features a white enamel dial, clearly signed by the maker. The display layout includes traditional Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at the bottom. The hands are crafted from gold, maintaining the aesthetic of the case. The signature 'Barwise, London' along with the serial number 6741 is clearly visible on the dial surface. This numbering maintains consistency with the marks found on the watch case and the movement.
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece functions via a full-plate, fire-gilt movement requiring a key for winding. Power is delivered through a traditional fusee and chain mechanism, which includes Harrison’s maintaining power to ensure consistent force during the winding process. The regulation system utilizes a heavy, thermally compensated balance wheel with bimetallic arms. The escapement is an Earnshaw-type spring detent, which is attached to a gilded base. Jewels are set in screwed settings, and a diamond endstone is situated on the balance cock.
- Case and External Features
- The chronometer is enclosed in an 18-karat gold consular case, finished with engine-turned (guilloché) decoration. The case is designed with practical protections against environmental ingress, specifically featuring dust-proof grooves located on both the bezel and the back cover. The gold bow is also hallmarked, indicating its origin. Security features are integrated into the case construction, notably a small hole located adjacent to the movement latch. This is intended to prevent tampering with the movement. The serial number 6741 is present on the body, aligning with the number found on the movement components.
Identification
- Serial number
- 6741
- 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: The source reports the presence of a 'security hole' near the movement latch which is an unverified functional claim
- Research required: The attribution of the movement features like the Harrison maintaining power is based on the source's description