Thomas Reid pair-cased ruby duplex deck watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1804
Source reports document this large 68 mm pair-cased pocket watch attributed to Scottish watchmaker Thomas Reid, dating to 1804. Previously part of the T.P. Camerer Cuss collection sold via Bonhams auction, the watch features an intact ruby duplex escapement and a hacking seconds function activated at 8 o'clock via a brass whip that stops the balance wheel.
The movement incorporates a fusee and chain, blued steel components, cylindrical pillars, and an engraved balance cock. Its substantial size and lack of significant outer case wear suggest it was intended as a deck watch.
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
- 1804
- Type
- Pocket chronometer & deck watch
- Maker
- Thomas Reid
- Diameter
- 68mm
- Function
- Hacking seconds
- Escapement
- Ruby duplex
- Provenance
- T.P. Camerer Cuss collection
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Thomas Reid
Design
- Visible features
- • Side profile of the movement held in hand within an opened metallic case • Fusee chain wound around the fusee cone alongside brass wheels and steel pinions • Cylindrical movement pillars separating the brass plates • Blued steel stop/hacking lever visible along the lower plate edge • Upper balance cock and steel components partially visible in profile
- Identity and Source Attributions
- According to forum reports documenting its sale at a Bonhams auction of the T.P. Camerer Cuss collection, this 68 mm pair-cased pocket watch is attributed to Scottish watchmaker Thomas Reid and dated to 1804. The forum poster notes that the piece was published in two books by Camerer Cuss, "The Country Life of Watches" and "The Book of Antique Watches", where it was referenced in Plate 85 as an example of high-quality English work. The substantial size and lack of significant wear on the silver outer case led the owner to infer that it was intended as a deck watch rather than carried on the person, likely stored in a wooden box during its working life. Maker signatures, dial marks, and serial numbers are not recorded in the visible movement profile photograph.
- Observed Mechanical Construction
- Direct visual inspection of the movement in side profile shows a fusee-and-chain assembly mounted between brass plates separated by cylindrical pillars. The fusee chain is wound around the fusee cone alongside brass wheels and steel pinions. A blued steel lever mechanism is visible along the lower plate edge. Movement components, including the upper balance cock and steel parts, are partially visible in profile.
- Reported Escapement and Movement Features
- The source post reports that the watch retains an intact ruby duplex escapement and features a hacking seconds function activated at 8 o'clock, where a brass whip stops the balance wheel to allow setting to the second. A forum reply notes that English duplexes were made with ruby locking rollers. The original poster also notes an engraved "1,2,3,4" marking on the balance cock, fine engraving, bluing, black polishing, and a hairspring attached via a brake-like clamping structure. Discussion in the thread also debates a circular mark or potential filled hole in the dome next to the winding hole.
Identification
- 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: Dial, signatures, and back plate engravings are not visible in this specific profile photograph
- Research required: Serial number is not stated in the source text
- Research required: Attribution to Thomas Reid and 1804 date are source-reported