Morton's patent pocket watch.....Chronometer 614

[PJQL]

Hi all,

I am currently looking at (and cleaning the case of..) a fusee movement signed Morton's Patent...

numbered 614. The dial is signed Chronometer 614...retailed by Windle of Stockton (Teesside).

Having read a previous thread by John (Matthews), and a touch of research re Morton, I am not entirely sure

if all his movements were as described...ie, did they ALL feature the particular escapement set up

as shown in the illustrations on John's thread, and for which Morton was known?

The main reason for asking is that mine looks very similar to just a standard table roller set up....

BUT that's just by observation via a loupe. I am extremely reticent to remove the balance and hairspring

assembly, so I can not show any pertinent photographs :-(

The case is hallmarked London 1857 and looks like it belongs.

Any advice would be helpful!

Piers

 

[Omexa]

Hi piers, I think I have a couple of "Morton Patent:" movements somewhere; I will see if I can find them. Regards Ray

 

[Jerry Freedman]

See Cutmore's book, The Pocket Watch Handbook, page 156.

Jerry Freedman

 

[PJQL]

See Cutmore's book, The Pocket Watch Handbook, page 156.Jerry Freedman

Thank you Jerry......where would I find that? Is it an available resource here?

Piers

Hi piers, I think I have a couple of "Morton Patent:" movements somewhere; I will see if I can find them. Regards Ray

Cheers Ray...that's appreciated.

Piers

 

[gmorse]

Hi Piers,

If the escape wheel has teeth like a chronometer type, (which you should be able to see without dismantling anything), then it is a Morton's Patent. This escapement went through various developments, variously known as 'Morton's Patent', 'Morton's Patent Improved', 'London Patent Chronometer' and finally 'Patent Union Chronometer'. These were all numbered in a single sequence, with the last known being in the 3000s, so 614 is quite early.

Max Cutmore's book is still in print but decent used copies will only cost you a few quid.

Regards,

Graham

 

[Allan C. Purcell]

Hi Piers, to save you waiting. Allan.

 

[John Matthews]

Hi Piers - good purchase ...

Given the serial number of your watch and the engraved 'Mortons Patent' I would expect it to be similar to the serial number 456 in the thread you refer to -

https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/early-example-of-mortons-lever-chronometer.143332/

I attach a better picture of the #456 balance now with the unlocking jewel in place. I posted a copy of the corresponding patent is post #21 of the original thread (figs 4 & 5). I think yours is more likely to be as the photograph I attach here than the later type such as the London Patent Chronometer balance I appended beneath the patent.

David Penney's description of serial #515 might help

"Morton's Patent detached escapement, with Massey type-3 roller used for unlocking and safety, mounted next to a steel impulse roller with radial jewel - see pic - the escape wheel with chronometer style teeth, as shown in the Patent."​

John

 

[PJQL]

Graham/John/Allan,

Thanks a lot for your assistance and input!

Here are some pictures of the balance assembly....looks standard to me...apart from the apparent split/cut in the top.

Is the escape wheel standard too?

Interestingly, the serial number 614 is scratched in to the underside of the balance cock too.



Piers

 

[John Matthews]

Hi Piers,

Sad. It looks to me as if it has been converted to a single roller. The balance has the two holes in the crossings similar to my later London Patent chronometer, which is not that common. I am not sure, but the balance may have been completely replaced and so I suspect has the lever. Graham will be the best judge.

John

 

[gmorse]

Hi Piers & John,

I am not sure, but the balance may have been completely replaced and so I suspect has the lever. Graham will be the best judge.

If it started life as a Morton it certainly isn't now; it's a perfectly standard English lever. If it was converted, the lever as well as the roller would have to had to be changed, because the roller would have had a radial impulse jewel and the unlocking jewel at a much smaller radius. The lever fork would not have had horns.

Regards,

Graham