拍品专文
Henry Jones or Henricus Jones, Londini (b. circa 1642, d. 1695) was one of the most eminent English watch and clockmakers of the period. Having begun his apprenticeship in August 1654 he was passed over to the celebrated Edward East and eventually given freedom in July 1663. Between 1664 and 1693 he employed fourteen apprentices including his two sons William and Henry. The number of apprentices taken by a Master can be read as an indication for the workshop's prosperity. The average might have been around five, whilst makers such as Daniel Quare had fifteen and Thomas Tompion no fewer than twenty-three.
The present lot is an early example of a watch fitted with a balance spring, introduced around 1675 and marking a turning point in the history of horology, the use of these springs significantly increasing the accuracy of time measurement. It is a typical example of a so-called "Puritan" watch referring to the simplicity of its appearance and supposedly in character with the Puritan austerity. The silver dial is easy to read and the double-ended hour hand allows it to be moved with the fingers easily and without damages.
The watch is furthermore preserved in very good overall condition, still retaining the original fitted outer case meant as an extra protection against damage and dust. These cases were often lost over the centuries.
For another example of a silver pair case watch with balance spring signed Henricus Jones, London, circa 1675-80, see Watches by Cecil Clutton & George Daniels, first edition, pl. 193-5.
The present lot is an early example of a watch fitted with a balance spring, introduced around 1675 and marking a turning point in the history of horology, the use of these springs significantly increasing the accuracy of time measurement. It is a typical example of a so-called "Puritan" watch referring to the simplicity of its appearance and supposedly in character with the Puritan austerity. The silver dial is easy to read and the double-ended hour hand allows it to be moved with the fingers easily and without damages.
The watch is furthermore preserved in very good overall condition, still retaining the original fitted outer case meant as an extra protection against damage and dust. These cases were often lost over the centuries.
For another example of a silver pair case watch with balance spring signed Henricus Jones, London, circa 1675-80, see Watches by Cecil Clutton & George Daniels, first edition, pl. 193-5.