| RefNo | MOB/021 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Pocket watch by William M. Webster |
| Artist | Webster, William |
| Date | c.1749 |
| Description | A gold pair cased verge watch, with square moulded pillars, verge escapement and winged clock. The outer case repousse with a scene of Brittania and Fame holding an oval tablet depicting [likely?] Isaac Newton, with St. Paul's Cathedral and the Monument behind, attributed to George Michael Moser, number 2188 . Inscribed on the reverse of the pocket watch: 'Mrs. Cath. Conduit to Sir Isaac Newton. January 4th 1708'.
Solid gold dial and hands dated 1810-20s.
Case of the clock inscribed William M Webster, Exchange Alley, serial numer 2188, hallmarked 1749. |
| Extent | 1 timepiece |
| ObjectName | Timepiece |
| Materials | Metal, gold, glass |
| Notes | Until recently it was believed this watch belonged to Sir Isaac Newton; gifted to him by his niece Catherine Conduit née Barton. However, research undertaken in 2001 highlighted that in 1708, the supposed time of the inscription, Catherine had not yet been married and was still referred to as 'Mrs Barton'. Further investigation concluded that the hallmark dates to 1749, years after Newton's death, and the dial dates to 1810. |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| Provenance | Exact provenance unknown |
| URLDescription | Digital version available on The Royal Society Picture Library |
| URL | https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-18021 |
| https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-18022 |
| https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-18023 |
| https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-18024 |