An early English watch by Michael Nouwen in a finely pierced gilt-metal case. The dial has a blue enamel hour-circle and is engraved with foliage and rabbits. The hour hand is missing. The fusee movement has a four-wheel going train, verge escapement, a pinned on balance cock, (with a later repair), a steel balance, with timekeeping regulated via a worm-and-wheel set-up (with a later replaced wheel). The striking train is later. London c.1600.

Originally part of the collection of the Reverend Henry Nelthropp, later donated by Nelthropp to the museum of Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.

Michael Nouwen worked in London from about 1580 until about 1613. He is believed to have been the son of a Flemish immigrant, Andrew Noway. Nouwen's horological work constitutes some of the earliest examples which can clearly be shown to have been made in England. This example has the inscription 'Michael Nouwen, London' on the back plate.

Clockmakers' Museum No. 5