Note: The sobriquet "Puritan" has always been applied to the absolutely plain watches made in England during the second quarter of the 17th. century. Following the execution of Charles I in 1649, Britain was ruled by Oliver Cromwell under the title of Protector. Puritanism was the ethos of the day with any ostentatious display of wealth being greatly frowned upon. In fact, the plain 'puritan'style was introduced circa 1640, as a result of the drain upon the finances of the Court and aristocracy caused by the costs of supporting the King in the civil war. It is well recorded that much jewellery and objects of precious metal were scrapped to realise funds; a plain silver cased watch would therefore have represented a much cheaper alternative, and be more in keeping with the austerity of the time.