Pocket Watch by George Graham, No. 6363

Technical characteristics

Date

circa 1747

Type

Pocket watch

Maker

George Graham

Hallmarks

Lion passant

Dimensions

4.1 cm diameter

Escapement

Cylinder escapement

Case Material

Gold

Serial Number

6363

Place recorded

England

Maker / attribution

George Graham

Registration Number

ST 23132

Design

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a gold case measuring 4.1 cm in diameter. The dial is composed of white enamel and provides a clear display for timekeeping. It features bold black Roman numerals representing the twelve-hour cycle. Encircling the inner hour ring is a secondary track containing black Arabic numerals at intervals of five, specifically "5, 10, 15....60", allowing for precise minute reading. The external presentation is completed by a pendant loop located at the top of the case. The case itself bears an identifying serial number "6363" and is accompanied by a London gold hallmark, which includes the lion passant.

Visible features

• White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals • Outer chapter ring features Arabic numerals for minutes • Pendant loop at the top of the case

Movement and Mechanism

The technical operation of this watch relies on a key-wound spring. Energy transfer is managed through a fusee and chain, a common arrangement for ensuring constant force in timepieces of this era. The heart of the timekeeping system is a cylinder escapement, which provides the regulation for the watch. Internal components are protected by a works cover. The back plate, which houses much of the gear train, is decorated with an ornate foliage design. This plate is explicitly marked to identify both the maker and the individual serial number of the unit.

Provenance and Documentation

The watch was acquired by the museum on August 14, 1949, through a donation from Joseph Lowy. Historical details regarding its previous ownership were provided by the donor in a letter dated November 6, 1968. According to Lowy, the watch was purchased at a Joel's auction following the death of a previous owner who had lived in an Old Men's Home. The donor's account offers a narrative of the watch's movement through private hands before its entry into the museum's collection. While the donor refers to the item as a silver watch, the official museum records identify the casing as gold, confirming the current classification within the museum's science and measurement holdings.

Identification

Serial number

6363

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.