John Fletcher Ship's Chronometer Age Determination
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John Fletcher, London (late 18th–early 19th century)
- Active watchmaker circa 1775–1820 , London.
- He made pocket watches and early table clocks , often hand-engraved.
- Signature: “John Fletcher, London” – often engraved on the movement or dial.
- Movements: nickel-plated or brass movement, spindle or friction escapement
Important clues for determining age
| feature | Indications of age |
|---|---|
| engraving |
“John Fletcher, London” → 18th/early 19th century “J. Fletcher & Sons” → approx. 1860–1900 |
| Type of work |
Spindle escapement → before 1820 Cylinder escapement → 1820–1860 Anchor escapement → after 1850 |
| dial |
Enamel (white surface) with Roman numerals → before 1850 Printed Arabic numerals → 19th/20th century |
| Housing material |
Brass and silver cases → 18th–19th centuries Nickel or steel → late 19th century+ |
| Serial numbers | Engraved numbers (e.g. "No. 1342") are typical for the 19th century; early pieces often lack a serial number. |
English watchmaker and chronometer maker
John Francis Fletcher was an English watchmaker in London. He was born in Lancashire in 1802 and initially worked as a pinion maker. From 1832 to 1835, he worked as a chronometer escapement maker. From 1845 to 1849, he was located at 27 Davies Street and Berkeley Square, the former premises of Dwerrihouse, Ogston & Co., the successors of John Dwerrihouse . From 1849 to 1856, he was based at 48 Lombard Street, where he took over the premises of John Sweetman Eiffe . He learned chronometer regulation from William E. Cribb . He then became a chronometer maker and regulated his own chronometers. His business was later located at 148 Leadenhall Street, where he took over the operation of Charles Cummins . The firm was also known as J. Fletcher & Son and J.F. Fletcher & Sons.
148 Leadenhall Street is located near the world-famous Lloyd's of London in the capital's financial and insurance district. Besides Lloyd's, the London Metal Exchange is also located on the street, as are the branches of numerous global insurance companies. In the 18th century, its name was often used synonymously with the East India Company, which had its headquarters, East India House, on the street.
In 1854, Thomas Mercer decided that the English watchmaking industry held no future for him. Mercer took a bus to London and bought a one-way ticket to America. However, while in London , he saw a marine chronometer in the window of John Fletcher's shop, one of the most important chronometer makers of his time. He entered the shop and asked if they had any work for him; he was then hired as a balance spring maker and finisher.
John Francis Fletcher retired in 1880 and died in 1882.
Source: Watch Wiki, AI
