Clock watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1645
This clock watch features an engraved silver case and dial, housing a mechanical movement equipped with an alarm mechanism and a verge escapement. The watch strikes the hours, while a central hand on the dial functions as the alarm indicator and a small hand on the outside of the alarm disc indicates the time. The movement's back plate bears the signature 'Eduardus East Londini'. It measures 12 cm in height, 9 cm in width, and 4.5 cm in depth, and is documented as having an accompanying leather case.
The piece was made circa 1645 by the London clockmaker Edward East. Its decorative scheme includes engraved naturalistic flowers executed in the manner of printed designs published for engravers and enamellers by Jacques Vauquer in Paris and Blois, as well as Johann Paul Hauer in Germany.
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.
Historical context
According to family tradition, the watch was presented by Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia (sister of King Charles I), to Gilbert Spencer of Redleaf during her 1661 stay at Penshurst, where Spencer oversaw arrangements for her visit. The maker, Edward East (1602–ca. 1697), was an early Assistant and twice Master of the Clockmakers' Company, later appointed Chief Clockmaker to King Charles II in 1660.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Engraved silver case and dial; movement with alarm and verge escapement
- Dimensions
- Height: 12 cm; Width: 9 cm; Depth: 4.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- East, Edward
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Clock watch
- Museum object number
- M.64:1, 2-1952
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.