MOVEMENT : Nicely gilded movement with very ornate pillars, jewelled endstone and engraved and pierced balance cock. The movement is signed and numbered (78089). It is running well.

DIAL : The wonderful signed enamel dial, with Turkish numerals, is about 31.5 mm in diameter. It is in almost perfect condition with just a few very light surface scratches.

SILVER INNER CASE : Full London hallmarks for 1870, maker WCS. The high dome crystal has a scratch near the edge and there are a coupe of very light bruises on the back but overall in very fine condition. The bow and pendant are fine are are original, without usual repaired join to the case. The pendant has matching hallmarks to the cases. Diameter 38.5 mm.

SILVER MIDDLE CASE : Diameter 46.5 mm. and with matching hallmarks to the inner. Beautifully engraved and in wonderful condition. The hinge and catch are fine though the catch button is missing.

SILVER/SHELL OUTER CASE : Diameter 55 mm. No silver hallmarks but the same maker’s mark (WCS) as the inner. The construction seems to be a brass base with silver rims. Again in very good condition with just one small chip to the shell on the bezel at the catch button, and a few silver pins missing.

Loomes lists Edward Prior in London between 1812 and 1868. Prior specialized in watches for the Eastern market and was making verge watches of 18th century style, still popular in this market, right up until the late 19th century. This an interesting example in that it would have been one of the latest of this type. It is also noteworthy it its unusually fine original condition.