Reflections of endurance, time links to the past. The value of quality: workmanship versus modern technology.
Found in New Zealand the pocket watch with an extraordinary history and links to a remarkable family and time. Only one ever found signed by John Cragg.1700’s Great Britain.

Able Seaman Isaac Smith was born in London in 1752, the Cousin James Cook’s wife Elizabeth. His first naval service was as an able seaman aboard the HMS Grenville, before transferring at the same rank to Cook’s Endeavour at Deptford on 27 May 1768
Smith sailed with Cook to Tahiti, then to New Zealand and the east coast of Australia. On 28 April 1770 he became the first European to set foot on eastern Australian soil, Cook telling him “Jump out, Isaac” as the ship’s boat touched the shore at Botany Bay

John Cragg nephew of Isaac Smith. During the years Captain Cook sailed and after his death the Smith family for the following 50 + years supported Elizabeth Bates Cooks wife. During this time as a child John Cragg lived as child at Cook’s home where John (whilst Cook was alive) sent to be an apprentice watchmaker. Elizabeth’s wills mentions John Cragg several times, as she changed her will periodically.

The watch photographed is signed by John Cragg, plus engraved with the address No.8 Northampton Square London, early 1700 Fusse movement in perfect working condition, the “rope” holding the key is made from human hair. The outer case made at a later date (probably by John Cragg’s sister a silversmith watch case maker)

John Cragg was to continue as an apprentice taken in 1780 by Charles Smith brother to Isaac Smith Captain Cooks sailing crew member.

Elizabeth on hearing Cooks death gave many books, navigation instruments and a watch to Captain John Smith whose will in June 1836 declares belongings of Captain Cooks including a watch to his sons Charles Cook and Isaac Bressey

This watches movement is from the design discovered and drawn by Leonard Da Vinci in 1500 the fusse which consists of a drum with a spiral track cut in a form of a cone on which cat gut or a fine chain in wound.

It is extremely rare to find such a watch as photographed above in this condition from the 1700’s. It was not unusual for replacement cases for wear and tear purposes. Apart from being signed by John Cragg name and address. Also resident of No.Bunhill Row England. Mid 1700’s (the watch operates by fine chain)

Elizabeth Bates household goods and personal belongings seem to have disappeared over time however the value of this watch is an item that links her remarkable life as the wife of one of the worlds greatest explores Captain Cook.

The photographed watch should be in the British Museum, as a vital link to the early exploration and founding of the British Empire.