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Lot Essay
Daniel Quare, probably born in Somerset around 1647/48, was one of the most prominent watch and clock makers to George I and the inventor of the repeating watch. He established himself at St. Martin Le Grand in London and became a Brother in the Clockmakers' Company in 1671 and Master in 1708.
After Quare's death in 1724, the business was continued by Stephen Horseman whom he had taken as an apprentice in 1702 and into partnership in 1705.
The present watch is fitted with a sourdine or "deaf piece", a device which appears to have been invented by George Graham. Upon depressing this silent repeat push-piece keeps the hammer off the bell and each blow can be felt by the finger. It not only enables those who have defective hearing or sight to tell the time by touch but also allows one to consult the watch without disturbing anyone.
After Quare's death in 1724, the business was continued by Stephen Horseman whom he had taken as an apprentice in 1702 and into partnership in 1705.
The present watch is fitted with a sourdine or "deaf piece", a device which appears to have been invented by George Graham. Upon depressing this silent repeat push-piece keeps the hammer off the bell and each blow can be felt by the finger. It not only enables those who have defective hearing or sight to tell the time by touch but also allows one to consult the watch without disturbing anyone.