Watch with faceted oval rock crystal case and protective outer case by John Ramsay

Watch with faceted oval rock crystal case and protective outer case by John Ramsay Watch with faceted oval rock crystal case and protective outer case by John Ramsay Watch with faceted oval rock crystal case and protective outer case by John Ramsay Watch with faceted oval rock crystal case and protective outer case by John Ramsay

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Science Museum Group / The Clockmakers' Museum
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group / The Clockmakers' Museum
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group / The Clockmakers' Museum
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group / The Clockmakers' Museum
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Verge escapement watch with faceted oval rock crystal case and protective outer case by John Ramsay, c.1625. The protective outer case is of gilt metal. The watch's main case is made from three pieces of rock crystal; two cut into facets to form the covers, and the third carved to form the body of the case. The crystal pieces are set in a gilt-metal frame enamelled in white and green. The dial is made from cloisonné white enamel with flowers, with a gold chapter ring and a blued steel hand. The movement has a verge escapement, a train of three wheels, a screwed-on balance cock and worm and wheel set-up. The movement is signed 'John Ramsay fecit'.

Nothing is known about this maker but G.H. Ballie lists two men of the same name who he suspects may be the same man, active in Dundee 1610-46. It is probable that this watch was made there c.1625.

Clockmakers' Museum No. 12

Details

Category:
Clockmakers
Collection:
The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers
Object Number:
L2015-3090
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy), rock crystal, enamel, steel (metal) and gold (metal)
Measurements:
watch: 52 mm x 28 mm x 28 mm,
outer case: 29 mm x 34 mm x 42 mm,
type:
watch and verge movement
credit:
Lent by the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers