Slow Beat Lever by Thomas Yates, Preston

Stock No. 1931

Thomas Yates
Preston, 1849
Silver case, 47.5 mm.
Lever, slow beat movement

Sold

A very interesting watch, with a slow beat (half second) lever movement, made by Thomas Yates of Preston

MOVEMENT : Signed and numbered (1123). Slow (half second) beat lever fusee movement, with diamond endstone and heavy polished steel balance wheel. The movement is protected by removable gilt dustcap marked YATES PATENTEE.

Wonderful condition throughout.

The slow beat (7200 beats per hour) or 3600 full oscillations) is achieved by the unusual train counts and a heavy balance wheel.

DIAL : Engine turned, silver dial, with applied gold numerals and foliate border. In good condition with just a very light scratches. Fleur de lys hands.

CASE : Silver. Hallmarks for Chester, 1849, makers EK & Co., case number 4949. Also marked SQ for Samuel Quilliam (of Liverpool).

Milled band and engine turning and central cartouche (empty) to the back. All in good condition, with wear to the back but no dents. A little play to the front hinge, but both covers snap shut nicely. The crystal is good, with just some light scratches.

Thomas William Yates patented a variety of slow beat watches between about 1846 and 1880, with beat speeds ranging from 7200 to 11200. Only the earlier examples used the slowest (half second) beat of 7200.