Description
Three-quarter plate keyless going-barrel movement jewelled to the 3rd (the centre in c-secs frames), the 16-size hollow-back frame stamped J.H.B (possibly John Bassnett, Coventry). Single-roller detached lever escapement with polished steel club-tooth (divided lift) escape. Compensation balance, free-sprung balance-spring with overcoil. Signed single-sunk enamel dial, the Broad Arrow mark unusually also in fired enamel (most have been later painted on), blued-steel hands. 45 mm diameter, 10 mm deep, not including centre arbor.
William Matthews, Watch Manufacturer ‘Established 1880’ Elmcroft, Holyhead Road, Coventry. One of the best watch manufacturers working in Coventry at the period.
NB: Records of most Royal Navy Deck Watches and box chronometers are held as part of the International Chronometer Index (ICI) which can be consulted at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and copies of which are available on request.
Hands and staff pivot broken, lever endstone setting lacking and generally a bit scruffy, but should clean up well with some tlc – the dial looks to be in perfect condition apart from one edge chip of around 1 mm. Not working.
