Lot 450

Charles Clay, London, Movement No. 993, 50 mm, 133 g, circa 1720
A very fine pair-cased half quarter repeating verge pocket watch with "repoussé" decoration
Case: outer case - 22k gold, "repoussé" decoration, engraved and chased volutes, scrollwork and four cartouches with profile portraits, around the edge open work decoration. Inner case - 22k gold, open work decoration, engraved ornaments: scrollwork, flowers, fantasy birds and two cartouches with engraved mascaron and a townscape; rear bell, movement protection cap. Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm brass balance.
Watchmaker Charles Clay was a native of Emley near Huddersfield in Yorkshire. Clay applied for a patent for a repeating, musical watch in February 1716; however, Daniel Quare disputed this patent and while the Attorney General made his decision in favour of Charles Clay, the Clockmaker’s company strongly supported Quare’s claim – Quare was a renowned maker and former Master of the Company. Clay’s patent application was finally dismissed after a year. In 1720 Clay established his workshop near St. Mary-Le Strand in London and in 1723 he was appointed clockmaker to His Majesty’s Board of works. He held the position at least until 1737; Clay presumably died sometime in 1739 – his will is dated January 18, 1739.

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