John Drake

• gilt oval movement, verge escapement, the back-plate with pierced and floral engraved screw-on balance cock, ratchet set-up, gut line fusee • silver dial with floral engraved centre and border, polished chapter ring with Roman numerals and quarter hour divisions, single blued steel hand • silver case in the form of a Tulip bud, the pendant also of bud form • movement signed John Drake in fleet street 

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 74 pl. 32.

Movement will just run for short periods. Dial engraving remains well defined. The with light rubbing/wear to the exposed parts. Pendant a little loose. The bracket to the right side of the dial at 4 o'clock which fits into the bezel is worn and the dial and movement therefore have a tendency to push down into the case. The fixture for the lid is worn and although the lid closes, it is not firmly secured.
"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."

John Drake became a Freeman of the Blacksmiths' Company in 1605, a subscriber to the Clockmakers' Company in 1630 and was active until after 1660. He seems to have been known for his poor temper, for when, in 1654, he was forced to pay fifteen years of quarterage arrears, he referred to a Warden as a 'turd and a shitten fellow'. Cast in the form of a tulip bud, this watch reflects the fashion for this flower during the 17th century. Tulips were - and are, of course - a well-loved flower. The price of tulip bulbs boomed in the 1630s only to implode at the end of the decade. Fortunes were made and lost. The centre of 'tulipmania' market in England was at the Royal Exchange.  

For two very similar tulip-form watches, one by Richard Crayle and another by Simon Hackett, see: Sotheby’s New York, Masterpieces from the Time Museum, Part Four, 13^th October 2004, lot 514 and Sotheby & Co, The Percy Webster Collection, 27^th May, 1954, lot 24. A further watch of very similar design to the present lot, signed Henry Grendon at y Exchange Fecit was formerly in the Dunn Gardner collection and later purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum, the latter watch is illustrated in Britten, Old Clocks and Watches and their Makers, figs. 171 & 172.