Collection

Silver star-shaped verge watch by David Ramsay

Made:: 1625 in London

Silver star-shaped verge watch by David Ramsay
The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers/Clarissa Bruce
© The Clockmakers’ Charity

A verge escapement watch by David Ramsay, with an engraved silver case in the shape of a six-pointed star. The engraved dial is signed ‘de Heck Sculp'. The fusee movement has a pinned-on balance cock and ratchet wheel set-up. Signed ‘David Ramsay, Scotus me fecit’ c.1625

This watch was concealed for many years behind a tapestry at Gawdy Hall, Norfolk (now demolished) and only discovered in around 1790. As a result it is in remarkable condition.

The words ‘de Heck Sculp’ on the dial probably refer to Gerard de Heck of Blois, active from 1608 – 1629.

Ramsay was named in the Clockmakers Charter of 1631 as the first Master of the Clockmakers’ Company. He was watchmaker to James VI of Scotland, and came south when the King became James I of England.

Clockmakers' Museum No. 7

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Science Museum: Clockmakers' Museum Gallery

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Details

Category:: Clockmakers

Object Number:: L2015-3086

Materials:: brass (copper, zinc alloy), silver (metal) and steel (metal)

type:: watch

credit:: Lent by the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

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