George Graham gold quarter dumb repeating verge pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · research required
This gold quarter dumb repeating pocket watch is marked as made by George Graham, London, though it is noted as probably a forgery. The watch features a gold case with a dome glass, a stirrup bow, an enamel dial, and beetle and poker hands.
The movement is fitted with a verge escapement, a fusee pivoted through the balance wheel, and a large diamond end-stone. Formerly owned by the late Judge Martin of Russell, the watch was donated to Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira by Miss E. G. Martin in 1942, where it is preserved in the History collection.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- 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.
Historical context
George Graham (1673 or 1675 – 1751) was an English clockmaker, inventor, and Fellow of the Royal Society. Born in Kirklinton, Cumberland, he walked to London in 1688 to become an apprentice clockmaker, later working alongside Thomas Tompion and marrying Tompion's niece, Elizabeth Tompion. Although marked with Graham's name, this watch is regarded as a probable forgery. Formerly owned by the late Judge Martin of Russell, it was presented to the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Tāmaki Paenga Hira) in 1942 by Miss E. G. Martin.
Physical characteristics
- Case
- Gold case with dome glass and stirrup bow
- Dial
- Enamel dial with beetle and poker hands
- Material
- Gold (as described on the source photograph page)
Technical characteristics
- Movement
- Quarter dumb repeating verge movement, fusee pivoted through balance wheel, large diamond end-stone
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
Design
- Case decoration
- Enamel
Identification
- Holding institution
- Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
- Serial or inventory number
- 1942.92, col.0963.1, H181, 26559.1
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
- Jewel count and calibre not documented.
- Serial-number dating, case dimensions and weight remain untranscribed.
- No catalogue reference number is asserted; standard horological catalogues have not been transcribed for this specimen.