Timothy Williamson, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, cylinder escapement, decoratively pierced balance cock engraved with scrolling foliage, a mask at the neck, diamond endstone, broad engraved foot, fusee and chain for going train, cylindrical pillars, gilt-metal dust cap, movement and dust cap signed Timy. Williamson, London, No. 2780
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute/seconds ring calibrated for fifths, inner red Arabic ring for phases and ages of the moon, gold beetle and poker hands, gold hands for centre seconds and moon indication both with cross-ribbing and half-moon tails
• Cases: gilt-metal inner, levers to the bezel at 11 o'clock for strike/silent and at 3 for adjustment of moon hand, decoratively pierced band engraved with scrolling foliage inhabited by birds' heads, the back engraved with a plant flowering around the winding apertures and surmounted by an eagle with outstretched wings, stirrup pendant and bow with chased leaf-form sides • gilt metal outer case, the paste-set bezels pierced with scrolling engraved decoration, the back centred with a flowering peony, outer case with maker's mark WC incuse for William Carpenter

Antiquorum Geneva, 15^th October 2000, lot 394

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, pp. 292-293, pl. 180

Movement running and striking with clear tone. Striking not always accurate. and levers for strike/silent and moon adjustment both operational at time of cataloguing. Dial with some scratches but otherwise in good overall condition. Inner case with some small areas of minor rubbing to the gilding, some wear to gilding at the edge of the bezel and pendant.
"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."

This large and impressive quarter striking coach watch is typical of designs that were popular for export to the Chinese market, a market with which Williamson had prominent links. The outer case is engraved with a peony, a popular motif in China. Timothy Williamson was trained as a goldsmith and as Roger Smith has noted in an article for Antiquarian Horology [No. 5, Vol. 30, March 2008, p.643] although Williamson almost certainly organised the design and construction of his distinctive cases, the movements may well have been supplied by William Hughes with whom Williamson was closely associated.  A similar but considerably smaller watch by Timothy Williamson, No. 3371, was offered at Antiquroum Geneva, 15^th October 2000, lot 397, the same auction in which the present watch was included.

Britten notes that Timothy Williamson was active from 1769-1788, first at the Strand and later at Great Russell Street.