# @sothebyswatches on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOHTZno6NG
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/12830696-sothebyswatches-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/33058d88c0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2019-06-27T16:50:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Sotheby's Watches (@sothebyswatches) — https://gondola.cc/sothebyswatches

## Caption

Time and tide wait for no man ... George Margetts only made four or five astronomical watches of this type in his short life. Dating from 1778, this is the first one and one of the best-preserved examples of Margetts’ genius. The English watchmaker dedicated his life to trying to solve the problem of longitude and researching astronomy. The watchmakers’ commitment is reflected in this masterpiece, which bears indications of tides at eight English ports. The Zodiac signs surround the constellations on the astrolabe dial, as well as the mean time and the age of the moon. The outer case has an extremely well-preserved enamel scene of Urania, the muse of astronomy. 
Testament to its importance, the watch was most likely a presentation piece for a captain of the West India Company,and once belonged to Baron W. de Rothschild. One of the highlights from our ‘Masterworks of Time’ sale on 2 July, it will go on public view for the first time tomorrow after 20 years in the same collection. 
#SothebysWatches #MasterworksofTime #pocketwatch #georgemargetts

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 721
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## Tags

pocketwatch, masterworksoftime, georgemargetts, sothebyswatches

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