Lot 384

George Graham, London, Movement No. 921, Case No. 921, 48 mm, 127 g, circa 1749
A remarkable gold and enamel pair-cased cylinder pocket watch with quarter repeater of one of the most famous English watchmakers
Case: outer case - 20K gold and enamel. Inner case - 20K gold, richly florally engraved and pierced, rear bell, case maker's punch mark "IW" (John Ward). Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm steel balance.
The remarkable gold and enamel outer case is decorated with alternating stripes of opaque white and translucent green enamel. A central oval medallion with translucent blue enamel holds the engraved initials "JL" under a tied bow. The band has several sound holes for the repeater; the edge of the case is embellished with a stripe pattern of blue and white enamel and a motif of twisted leaves. The gold inner case is in outstanding condition and has an open work rim adorned with acanthus leaves and a mascaron. The case number 921 is inscribed near the pendant and sits within a frame of oak.
George Graham (1673-1751) began his apprenticeship with Henry Aske in 1688, who he stayed with even after being admitted to the Freedom of the Clockmakers Company. From 1695 to 1711 Graham worked for Thomas Tompion; Graham and Tompion then became partners and after Tompions death Graham continued the business in London's Fleet Street as his successor. One of England's most eminent clockmakers, Graham was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1721, a Member of the Council in 1722, and finally became Master of the Clockmakers Company. His greatest achievements were the deadbeat escapement in 1715, the mercury pendulum in 1726, and in 1725 his enhancements to the cylinder escapement which gave it its present form.