• Movement: gilded full plate, duplex escapement, three-arm balance with gold compensation screws, off-set bi-metallic spiral compensation, decoratively pierced balance bridge engraved with scrolling foliage, repeating on blocks to the inside case back, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, gilt-metal dust cap with aperture to reveal bridge cock, movement signed and numbered Vulliamy, London, zxu
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, centre seconds, skeletonised heart-shaped hands
• Cases: plain gold inner, stop slide to the bezel at 3 o'clock, winding aperture to back • gold outer case chased and engraved with the crest of George Spencer, the fourth Duke of Marlborough, outer case with Justin Vulliamy watch paper bordered with equation calendar. 

George Spencer, the fourth Duke of Marlborough
Plaut Collection

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 338-339, pl. 214

Movement running, stop slide operational. Dial with an area of repair to the edge between 9 and 10 o'clock, hairline to the edge between 2 and 3 o'clock. Inner case with some light indentations, cover of inner case not currently closing securely. Outer case with some polishing and light indentations but overall decorative design remains clear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The back of the outer case has the crest of George Spencer (1738-1817), fourth duke of Marlborough, together with the Order of the Garter and motto in relief. A surviving Vulliamy day book records that the movement, dial and hands were sold to the Duke on 31st January 1804 and fitted, according to his request, to previously supplied cases. At the same time, the old movement was fitted to a new case for a total of 120 guineas. A search made by Roger Smith into Vulliamy's records held at the Public Record Office - the extant day books start in the 1790s - revealed the entry [C104/58/1, Day Book 31] which describes the movement, stating that it included "one of the best coiled thermometers," this is visible to the backplate and is a bi-metallic spiral compensation. Vulliamy abandoned the spiral system of compensation soon after this watch was made and continued to use a U-shaped curb.

The Duke of Marlborough took a keen interest in science.  In 1786, he was made a fellow of the🉐 Royal Society, and indeed would have enjoyed owning a wat💖ch with this advanced mechanism. He perhaps had a sentimental attachment to the old case, hence was keen to be able to use it with his latest watch acquisition.