Lot 219

Henry Jones

A fine London single-handed pair-cased verge pocket watch with early balance spring

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This high quality watch has a beautiful dial with an attractive openwork central ornamentation of tendrils and an angel’s face against a gold background. The dial has an exquisitely finished tulip hand.

Henry Jones (circa 1642–1695) was a remarkable watchmaker who lived in the last quarter of the 17th century. He was born in Southampton and moved to London, where he apprenticed with Benjamin Hill for a short while in 1654, before moving on to the workshop of Edward East. In 1663 he was free from the Clockmakers' Company; he became a master in 1691.
After finishing his training Jones worked with East until 1672 and opened his own shop in London. Henry Jones died in 1695 and was buried in St. Dunstan in the West, Fleet Street, London.