Model of Duplex escapement used in Waterbury watches
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1880-1935
This object is a demonstration model of a duplex escapement as employed in early Waterbury watches, dated by the Science Museum Group to between 1880 and 1935. Catalogued under accession number 1938-554 Pt1, the mock-up mechanism is constructed from brass and steel.
The top plate is engraved with the signature 'Waterbury Watch Co. / WATERBURY, CONN, / U.S.A.' alongside 'DUPLEX'. An exposed balance wheel, blued hairspring, and engraved cock are mounted above the plate, with the movement supported by brass pillars on turned feet.
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
- 1880-1935
- Type
- Demonstration escapement model
- Credit
- Mr. Malcolm Gardner
- Materials
- steel (metal) and brass (copper, zinc alloy)
- Measurements
- overall: 80 mm 133 mm, 1.325kg
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Waterbury Watch Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • Engraved on the top plate: 'Waterbury Watch Co. / WATERBURY, CONN, / U.S.A.' and 'DUPLEX'. • Fitted with a prominent brass balance wheel, flat spiral hairspring, and decorative foliate engraving on the cock. • Circular brass plates separated by turned cylindrical pillars. • A small detached trapezoidal metal piece is visible to the lower left.
- Object Identity and Origin
- This object is catalogued by the Science Museum Group as part 1938-554 Pt1, described as a "Model of Duplex escapement as employed in the early Waterbury watches, 1880-1935". The parent entry 1938-554 credits the acquisition to Mr. Malcolm Gardner. Visual observation of the top plate records engraved markings reading: 'Waterbury Watch Co. / WATERBURY, CONN, / U.S.A.' and 'DUPLEX'.
- Physical Construction and Mechanism
- The movement model is listed with measurements "overall: 80 mm 133 mm, 1.325kg" and materials consisting of "steel (metal) and brass (copper, zinc alloy)". Visual observations describe circular brass plates separated by turned cylindrical pillars. Above the plate, visible features include a prominent brass balance wheel, flat spiral hairspring, and decorative foliate engraving on the cock. A small detached trapezoidal metal piece is also visible to the lower left.
- Associated Mounts and Documentation Scope
- Under parent catalog record 1938-554 ("Model of Duplex escapement, with mahogany base and glass dome"), the piece is categorized under Time Measurement with types noted as "spring-driven watch mechanism , duplex escapement and model". For part 1938-554 Pt1 specifically, the type is designated as "mock-up and escapement". The museum record also enumerates associated components: part 1938-554 Pt2, catalogued as "Mahogany base and glass dome for model of Duplex escapement as employed in the early Waterbury watches", and part 1938-554 Pt3, catalogued as "Spring only, as employed in the early Waterbury watches, 1880-1935".
Identification
- Object Number
- 1938-554 Pt1
- 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 mahogany base and glass dome catalogued under part 1938-554 Pt2 are not shown in this photograph.
- Research required: The exact function of the small detached metal piece visible beside the mechanism is unspecified in the source text.