Late 17thc. Thomas Tompion watch

A fine verge watch, by Thomas Tompion, in a silver case, with original signed champleve dial.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge escapement movement, signed and numbered (2670). Four crested Egyptian pillars and a well engraved winged balance cock, with a mask to the neck and scrolls on the table. The steel balance wheel is heavily reeded (see photo), and the hairspring pinned with a square profile pin.

All in good condition throughout and running well.

The serial number (2670) is also engraved on the dial plate (see photo).

Several unusual features of this movement are routinely seen on Tompion watches : reeded balance wheel, square section hairspring pin, serial number repeated on the dial plate.

DIAL : Fine signed champleve dial.
The central disk is signed Tompion, London and decorated with cherubs and garlands. In good condition.

Blued steel hands, again in good condition.

The central disk of this watch is identical to a similar watch by Tompion (serial no. 3118) which was made in around 1700.

CASE : Silver case with no maker’s marks. Revolving shutter to the winding aperture.

In very good condition throughout. The hinge is fine and the bezel closes correctly. The high dome crystal is fine.

The shape of the hinge on this case would indicate that it is probably a slightly later replacement (mid 18thc. ?) but it is a perfect fit, so was certainly made for the movement.

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.
The reference indicates that the No. 2670 is in a single silver case, with decorative Egyptian pillars, and with cherub & garland decoration to the dial.

The serial number dates the watch to 1699.

Thomas Tompion