263 - George Etherington - Master of the Clockmakers' Company

George Etherington - Master of the Clockmakers' Company A very fine London pair-cased verge pocket watch Movement No. 763, Case No. 763, Dimensions 54 mm, circa 1684, Weight 143 g, Origin: England Case: Outer case—18K gold, smooth; inner case—18K gold, smooth; case maker’s punch mark “ID.” Dial: Gold champlevé. Movement: Full-plate movement, chain/fusee, three-arm steel balance. George Etherington was a renowned watchmaker in London. He became a journeyman of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1684 after serving an apprenticeship with Robert Rooksby, likely in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or York. In 1689, he moved from “Dial in Fleet Street” to “opposite the New Church on the Strand” in London. He took the oath of allegiance in 1697 and became an Assistant at the Clockmakers’ Company in 1701, a Warden in 1706, and finally a Master in 1709. Etherington remained a member of the Clockmakers’ Company until 1720 and died in 1729. His former apprentice, Thomas Haydon, took over his business. Clocks made by Etherington are on display at the “Science Museum” in London. On July 23, 1701, Etherington took his seat as Assistant of the Court of the Clockmakers’ Company, and in September 1706, he won the election—against Dan Quare and Jonathan Puller—for the position of “Youngest Warden.” In 1707, he was elected Renter Warden, a position responsible for managing the Company’s finances, and in 1708, he became Upper Warden. In what he may have considered the pinnacle of his career, in 1709, he was elected Master of the Clockmakers’ Company. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, capable of running; cleaning recommended.