William Bent, in his lifetime, was involved in the development of the mechanical pocket watch seeking an ever more accurate timepiece. It was an era of innovation when many design ideas were tried and tested.
A rare example of innovative design is this movement, Serial Number 9503, which dates to the early 1860s.
Below are three photos which compare the 9503 with Serial Number 16183 (from about 1870 and much more typical of the full-plate fusee movements found in key wind movements)
The "Rim" dust cover protects the gap between the two plates.
Compare with the full dust cover which offers overall protection.
Dust covers removed.
Compare the solid balance wheel with the bi-metal, double split, compensated balance.
White enamel dials removed to reveal motion work.
The complicated additions on 9503 are an early key-less time-setting device, to adjust the position of the hands without having to open the glass and turn the hands with a key fitted to the cannon pinion.
Very early for its time, so probably experimental. A unique find!
