The watch exemplifies the technical sophistication and decorative richness of late seventeenth century English horology. The gilt full plate fusee movement is fitted with four Egyptian baluster pillars and a verge escapement regulated by a sprung three arm steel balance with Tompion type adjustment. The backplate features an elegant balance cock, finely pierced and engraved with symmetrical foliate strapwork with a female mask at its junction with a broad, pierced foot.

The movement is signed Thomas Tompion and Edward Banger, London, and bears the serial number 3920.

The dial, although reinstated, is equally accomplished, executed in gold or gilt champlevé and cast in relief with scrolling foliate ornament inhabited by twin phoenixes above a female mask, set against a finely matted ground. A Roman numeral chapter ring incorporates diamond lozenge half hour markers and Arabic five minute numerals to the outer track, complemented by finely blued steel beetle and poker hands.

The Father of English Clock and Watchmaking

Thomas Tompion has often been referred to as the 'father of English clock and watchmaking'. When considering the legacy of his work and influence on subsequent generations, such a compliment is justly deserved.

Born in Ickwell, Suffolk in 1639 Thomas Tompion appears to have developed an affinity for metalworking from his father, also named Thomas, who worked as a blacksmith. By 1670 Tompion had moved to London and was working in the clock and watchmaking trade. Although there is no record of his apprenticeship or whether he received any formal training prior to moving to London, he quickly became established and obtained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in late 1671. His early clocks demonstrate a close working relationship with the Fromanteel, East and Knibb workshops.

Around this time Tompion became friendly with eminent mathematicians and scientists such as Robert Hooke and Jonas Moore - perhaps the most progressive and inventive minds of the day. Such associations lead to Royal commissions, firstly from Charles II for whom Tompion is known to have made one of the earliest balance-spring watches in 1676 and later William III who ordered numerous clocks to furnish his various palaces throughout his reign. As well as being an extremely talented artisan Tompion was also commercially minded, cleverly introducing serial numbering for his watches and clocks from around 1681/2. This, as well as maintaining a high degree of refinement in both the design and construction of his clocks and watches, ensured the highest level of exclusivity for clients purchasing from him.

In around 1701 Thomas Tompion took a former apprentice, Edward Banger, into partnership. Banger was originally apprenticed to Thomas Ashby in 1687 but was transferred over to Tompion and gained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in 1695. He was clearly a talented maker (when considering the few examples signed by Banger alone) however a serious problem between him and his former master caused the partnership to come to an abrupt end in 1707-8 for reasons unknown.

On Banger's departure Tompion reverted to working alone until he found confidence in George Graham who had been engaged as a journeyman for Tompion since 1696. Graham's character had already been given the seal of approval by Tompion who allowed him to marry his niece, Elizabeth, in 1704; however it still would be a few years before Tompion would take Graham into partnership which he eventually did in 1711.

Thomas Tompion died in November 1713 leaving the business to George Graham who maintained the same exacting standards and became famous in his own right with notable achievements including the development of the deadbeat escapement for pendulum clocks and the cylinder escapement for watches. Edward Banger outlived Tompion by six years, his abilities as a highly skilled watchmaker are demonstrated within a fine jewelled movement dating to around 1715 by him illustrated by him in Evans, Jeremy THOMAS TOMPION at the Dial and Three Crowns on page 54 (Figure 97).

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Auction Details

Thursday 26 March 2026, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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