Early English verge watch by Michael Nouwen
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1600
According to the Science Museum Group, this early English verge watch was produced in London circa 1600 by Michael Nouwen. Housed in a finely pierced gilt-metal case, the source notes an engraved dial featuring foliage, rabbits, and a blue enamel hour circle, with the hour hand missing.
The internal fusee movement is documented with a four-wheel going train, verge escapement, steel balance, worm-and-wheel regulation (with a later replacement wheel), and a pinned-on balance cock showing an older repair, alongside a later striking train. The back plate bears the inscription 'Michael Nouwen, London'. Originally from the Reverend Henry Nelthropp collection, it belongs to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.
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
- Verge watch
- Maker
- Michael Nouwen
- Dimensions
- 83 mm x 52 mm x 24 mm
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Inscription
- Michael Nouwen, London
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Date of manufacture
- c. 1600
- Maker / attribution
- Michael Nouwen
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular pierced gilt-metal case back with symmetrical openwork arabesques and foliate scrollwork. • Engraved ornamental border with floral motifs encircling the pierced centre. • Turned baluster finial with a round suspension ring at the top. • Visible metallic inner lining or plate behind the openwork fretwork.
- Case Construction
- The watch is housed in a gilt-metal case featuring a pierced back. The external decoration consists of symmetrical openwork arabesques and foliate scrollwork, framed by an engraved border of floral motifs. The case is completed by a turned baluster finial and a suspension ring. A metallic inner lining or plate is visible behind the openwork fretwork.
- Dial and Inscriptions
- The watch face features an engraved surface decorated with foliage and rabbit motifs, accented by a blue enamel hour circle. The hour hand is reported missing. The back plate of the movement bears the inscription 'Michael Nouwen, London'.
- Mechanism and Alterations
- The movement utilizes a fusee mechanism with a four-wheel going train, a verge escapement, and a steel balance. Timekeeping is regulated by a worm-and-wheel set-up, which features a later replacement wheel. The pinned-on balance cock exhibits an older repair. Internal documentation notes that the striking train is a later addition to the movement.
Identification
- Reference
- L2015-3084
- Museum Inventory Number
- Clockmakers' Museum No. 5 / L2015-3084
- 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 dial and internal movement are not visible in this case-back photograph.
- Research required: Source notes the hour hand is missing, the balance cock has a later repair, the regulation wheel is replaced, and the striking train is later.