George Graham

• gilt full plate cylinder movement, plain three arms balance, finely pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond end stone, fusee and chain, repeating on a bell • gilt dust cap • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, Arabic outer track, blued steel hands • finely pierced and engraved inner case with maker's mark JW for John Ward, repoussé outer case depicting Britannia and Father Time with fine pierced decoration to the band enhanced by cartouches containing illustrations of the four ages of man signed Parbury, pulse piece pusher to the band  • dust cap signed, movement signed and numbered G. Graham, London, No 793

The movement is not runing at the time of cataloguing; however the balance will rotate when power is applied to the train. Dial in good condition. Inner case slightly scuffed. Outer case in good condition. Fish skin protection case damaged. Nice condition for a watch of that period.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

George Graham (1674-1751), was one of England's most renowned clock and watchmakers. He was an apprentice to Henry Aske in 1688 and then entered the service of Thomas Tompion as a journeyman in 1695. He married one of Tompion's nieces and became his partner in 1704, succeeding to the business on Tompion's death in 1713. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1721 and Master of the Clockmakers' Company in 1722. It is believed that he improved or perhaps invented the cylinder escapement. He used the verge escapement up to 1726 and then mainly the cylinder after the time. On his death in 1751, as a sign of the great respect in which he was held, Tompion's grave in Westminster Abbey was opened to receive the body of his former partner.

The pulse piece repeating mechanism which is believed to have been invented by Graham enables the user to disable the hammer to the bell directing a pulse to the pusher. It allows the time to be given without disturbing those around you.
The repoussé scene to the case is an allegory of Britannia's eternal dominion over the waves.

Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clomakers of the world, 2006, p. 315