Edwardus East, Londini

• gilt verge movement, the balance cock with irregular foot, cock pierced and engraved with flowers, the table now partly lacking, later regulator, blued steel worm and wheel set-up, split Egyptian pillars • inner case, back engraved with perpetual calendar • silver dial, blued steel tulip-form single hand, black enamel champlevé Roman numerals • plain silver outer case engraved with a Coat-of-Arms of Henry Oxenden of Medekin, dated April 29th, 1648 • with a silver chain terminating in a seal engraved with matching Coat-of-Arms and an early jointed silver crank key

Rare Edward East Puritan watch. With the following condition issues, the balance cock table partly missing, the balance wheel and assembly is replaced otherwise the movement is complete, however not running indicating need for cleaning, The shutter missing off of the winding hole on the back interior of inner case, pendant has some signs of restoration to the interior, the outer case is original and has suffered some dings and dents over time, dial is original with some scoffing, crystal likely replaced. slight wear to the engraving on arms,
"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."

The present lot is considered a Puritan watch, a style typified by a sober design. The Puritan period in England followed the political and religious turbulence of the 1640s. The silver case and flat dial are typical design features found during this period.

Edward East, a fine early English watch and clockmaker, was born in 1602. He was one of the ten original assistants at the time of the incorporation of the Charter of the Clockmaker's Company in 1631. He was elected Master twice in 1645 and again in 1652.

In November 1660, following the restoration of the monarchy, East was appointed Chief Clockmaker to King Charles II. It is not known exactly when Edward East died, but he lived to a great age and his will was proved on 3rd February 1697.

The Coat of Arms engraved on the case and seal belong to Henry Oxenden (1609-1670), an English poet. His first two published books, Riligionis Funs and Hypocritae Finish, were printed in 1647. It is further recorded that his next work, Jobus Triumphans, was circulating among colleagues for criticism in April 1649. It is interesting to note that the present lot is engraved with April 29th, 1648, falling between these major milestones in Oxenden's literary career. In 1663, he became rector of Radnage in Buckinghamshire, and held that title until his death in 1670.