WORLDWIDE Chapter 149 Message Board

pocwatjim · Chapter Member

In this months Bulletin, be sure to read Rich's article on Robert Leslie of Philadelphia, maybe America's first true watch maker.

With the letters from Thomas Jefferson to the way the Philadelphia's Guild backballed him, to his London years it is a great research on a previously unknown watchmaker.

Richard gave a presentation on him at the National and had one of his watches and I really enjoyed learning of this man.

PJR · Chapter Member

There are actually several worthwhile articles in this Bulletin. Refreshing!
Paul

rpnewman · Chapter Member

Jim, thanks for the kind words.

I'm also convinced that Leslie also made America's first chronometer. Hope you like the second part of the article that should be published in the next Bulletin.

Its amazing how much is unknown about these early American watchmakers. Even the last scholarly work on Goddard is decades old. Is there any interest collaborating on early makers (exhibit, articles, symposium)?

PJR · Chapter Member

Rich, I also enjoyed your article. Great piece of investigative research. Look forward to part II.
Paul

rpnewman · Chapter Member

Its been a few years since the article on Robert Leslie and sometimes it takes a number of years for collectors or scholars to get in touch.

I was contacted by one museum curator in the UK who has a Leslie movement containing his "free balance" escapement that I discussed in the article (it is also pictured in Gould's Marine Chronometer book that he published back in the 1920's). Unfortunately, I do not have permission to post pictures but I understand that a follow-up article on this latest "discovery" is in the works in the UK. Will update when I find out more.