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Beautiful Early Alarm Pocket Watch from 1680 by Bertram London

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Beautiful Early Alarm Pocket Watch from 1680 by Bertram London


ID: 439

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Rare and beautiful pocket watch from 1680s.
Diameter is 48mm, thickness is 31mm.

Watch features an alarm, it strikes with hammer to the silver bell.
The movement is among the first watches developed after introduction of the hairspring in 1675.
It features relatively small balance bridge, typically for this time, with distinctive trefoil symmetry pattern.
Other distinctive feature is an openwork style pillars - it was introduced about 1650s and went out of fashion already in 1690s.

Overall decoration of the watch is very rich and made in true Baroque spirit of late XVII. The surroundings of balance bridge are beautifully pierced and engraved.
The same is true for the case - it's engraved with floral motifs and animated scenes.

Watch is signed by W. Bertram London - it should be production of William Bartram. In late XVII orthographic rules often weren't definitely fixed, especially for vowels.
William Bartram became member of Clockmaking Company in 1684.
The museum of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in London is keeping in its collection a watch with '6-hour dial' by William Bartram, equally signed by W. Bertram, London, dated to c.1680.

Condition
Movement is in working condition, though time keeping is not tested.
Alarm functions, however, as often is a case, the time is not aligned.
Case has some minor losses, please see photos.
Dial is fine.
Later hand, mineral crystal.
Overall good condition.
Item is not available