John Arnold & Son Pocket Chronometer Watch with Spring Detent Escapement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1788 – 1789
According to the Science Museum Group, this pocket chronometer watch was produced by John Arnold & Son in London and features a gold case hallmarked for 1788–1789.
The case bears casemaker's mark 'TH' and stamped number 292. The white enamel dial displays Roman hour numerals, gold hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, and the inscription '292'. The movement is recorded as having a spring detent escapement, an OZ balance, and a gold helical balance spring with 4 turns. The movement is inscribed 'John Arnold & Son, London, N 292/593, Invt. et Fect'.
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
- Dimensions
- 66 mm x 52.5 mm x 25 mm
- Hallmark Date
- 1788 – 1789
- Casemaker Mark
- TH
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker and Location
- John Arnold & Son, London
- Maker / attribution
- John Arnold & Son
- Movement Inscription
- John Arnold & Son, London, N 292/593, Invt. et Fect
- Escapement and Balance
- Spring detent escapement, OZ balance, gold helical balance spring of 4 turns
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer track. • Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock marked with Arabic numerals. • Gold open-face case with pendant and rounded bow at 12 o'clock. • Inscribed numeral '292' visible below the 12 o'clock position on the upper dial. • Gold spade-style hour and minute hands centered with a rounded boss.
- Dial and Visual Presentation
- The timepiece features a white enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer minute track, with the numeral '292' positioned on the upper portion below 12 o'clock. A subsidiary seconds dial marked with Arabic numerals is positioned at 6 o'clock. Gold spade-style hour and minute hands radiate from a rounded central boss, framed within a smooth gold bezel and open-face case configuration.
- Case Construction and Stamped Markings
- The gold open-face case measures 66 mm by 52.5 mm by 25 mm overall, including a pendant and rounded bow at 12 o'clock. The case bears hallmarks for 1788–1789. According to collection documentation, the case is stamped with the number 292 and bears the casemaker's mark 'TH'.
- Recorded Movement and Technical Specifications
- The movement is not visible in the closed case photograph, but museum records document that it is signed 'John Arnold & Son, London, N 292/593, Invt. et Fect'. The recorded mechanism features a spring detent escapement, an OZ balance, and a gold helical balance spring of four turns. Recorded materials for the watch and detent comprise gold, brass, steel, enamel, glass, and diamond.
Identification
- Serial number
- 292/593
- 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: Movement details, hallmarks, and casemaker mark are concealed within the closed case in this photograph and rely on source documentation.