Watch, fanciful shape with rock crystal case, by Edward East (c. 1610-1693); London, England, c. 1635; lgth. 1¾” (4.45 cm.).
East was the most celebrated of the early English makers, and master of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1645 and 1652. His career covers a period of great development in watchmaking, beginning about 1632 when they were still worn mainly for decoration, and ending after the balance spring and the minute hand were well established, with watches worn in the pocket, not round the neck.
This is an early example with splendid finish: even the ends of the pillars and the stud or ‘pottance’ bear a little design. It is not surprising that East became watchmaker to Charles I.
