George Graham cylinder in wonderful gold repousse cases

A fine cylinder watch, by George Graham, in original gold repousse pair cases, with an alternative gilt/shell outer case.

MOVEMENT : Gilt cylinder movement, signed and numbered (5891). Diamond endstone, four square baluster pillars and good blued screws. Well engraved balance cock, with a mask at the neck.

The serial number (5891) is also engraved on the underside of the balance cock, and again on the dial plate.

The movement is protected by a removable gilt dustcap, signed as the movement. Scratch marked (5891) on the back.

All in good condition, with just some light scratches to the pillar tops. Running well.

DIAL : White enamel dial, in good condition. There are some surface scratches and a tiny chip on the edge at 9.
Gilt beetle and poker hands.

This enamel dial is a slightly later replacement. The original would have been a gold champleve type.

INNER CASE : 22ct. gold case, with shutter to the winding aperture and stirrup shaped bow.

Gold hallmarks for London, 1739. The serial number (5891) is stamped on the case, with case maker’s marks IW with star above.

In very good condition throughout. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE I : This is a wonderful quality repousse case, also in 22ct. gold. Decorated with a woodland scene showing Diana, the huntress.

Very good condition throughout, with just a little rubbing to the head of the figure.
The gold cases are quite heavy, at about 65 gms. (excluding crystal etc.)

OUTER CASE II : The alternative case is a tortoiseshell covered gilt case.

This is in very good condition, with no missing shell, and just one crack to the shell across the back from 2. The gilt pins are complete with none missing.

REFERENCE : This watch is listed in “Thomas Tompion 300 Years” by Jeremy Evans, Jonathan Carter & Ben Wright. This excellent book includes lists of movement serial numbers for Tompion and his successors. No. 5891 is included.

George Graham

The case maker’s mark is for John Ward, of Boars Head Court, Fleet Street, London. Other Graham watches have cases by this maker.