Watson's Keeless Gravity Clock. A shelf clock made in North London.

This clock has a great presence and is sure to attract a fair amount of attention. It is visually interesting. Put it on your desk and see if your clients comment on it. I bet they do.

Thomas Watson and Christopher Frederick Webb applied for a patent in England in 1919 for an improved timepiece to go by its weight without a mainspring or other driving power. They received a British Patent, No. 140668, on April 1, 1920. As a result, they manufactured these clocks in Watson's works in Kentish Town, North London. 

This is an original form that is seldom seen. The circular case is made of press sheet steel and is painted black. It is supported by a footed base constructed of wood and finished in black as well. This base is original to this example. The painted black dial is also steel, and the tumbled Arabic-style hour numerals are painted in white. The contrast of the brass hands, brass-made escape wheel, brass mounts, and brass pendulum fittings against the dark background is attractive. The pendulum's motion is very unusual in that it rocks side to side at the top and the bottom of the time ring. 

This unusual brass-geared movement features a deadbeat exposed escapement used in a gravity clock with a bar-type balance or pendulum. The pendulum is impulsed by the escape wheel pallets. Brass ball weights are positioned on either end of the pendulum. One winds this clock by pushing down on a lever located on the outside of the case at approximately the 9:30 position. This has the effect of lifting a heavy bar inside the case and behind the dial. The bar is the weight. The brass knob located at the 8:00 position is used to adjust the hands. It is geared to the hands. This knob has a knurled end. 

This unusual shelf clock measures approximately 10.5 inches tall, 10.5 inches wide at the feet, and 3.25 inches deep. 

It was made circa 1920.