208 - Ellicott & Taylor - Chronometer

Ellicott & Taylor - Chronometer A large, heavy London precision pocket chronometer with a spring-detent escapement designed by Thomas Earnshaw Movm. No. 9625, Dimensions 57 mm, circa 1812/1854, Weight 151 g, Origin: England Case: 18K gold, guilloché pattern, small engraved monogram, case maker’s punch mark “JW”. Dial: Enamel. Movement: Full-plate movement, bimetallic “double L” screw-compensated balance based on Robert Pennington’s design, free-sprung blued helical balance spring. The movement is of very high quality and features a “double L” compensation balance, which is generally attributed to Robert Pennington. It consists of a curved brass component and a limiting screw at the end of each of the two brass arms. Its use strongly suggests that Pennington was Ellicott’s supplier. In total, there are four types of Pennington balances. Robert Pennington was a well-known watchmaker who worked in London from around 1780 until his death in 1813. He is regarded as the inventor of the screw balance. Pennington collaborated with William Howells and several other watchmakers. In the early 19th century, he supplied the watchmaking trade with a considerable number of escapements as well as complete movements, and he continued this tradition while also selling more products under his own name, particularly pocket chronometers. Around 1803, Edward Ellicott the Younger sought to breathe new life into his business. The company name was changed to “Ellicott and Company.” Around 1806, the firm became “Ellicott & Taylor.” Ellicott & Taylor were listed at Sweeting’s Alley in Cornhill from 1811 to 1830. Ellicott was admitted to the Clockmakers’ Company in 1795 and served as Master in 1834 and 1835. Later, he took Smith on as a partner, first in Sweeting’s Alley and later at 27 Lombard Street. This watch is mentioned in Tony Mercer’s *Chronometer Makers of the World*, Colchester 1991, p. 137. Case: very good, later custom-made, slightly scuffed. Dial: good, with hairline scratches. Movement: very good, in working order; cleaning recommended.