MOVEMENT : Nicely gilded movement with very ornate pillars, and engraved and pierced balance cock. The movement is signed and numbered (10192). It is in good original condition and is running well.

DIAL : The signed enamel dial, with Turkish numerals, is about 36.5 mm in diameter. It is in good condition with some surface scratches and three very light hairlines from the centre. Nice black steel beetle and poker hands.

SILVER INNER CASE : Full London hallmarks for 1776, maker IR. The high dome crystal is fine. The silver is in very good condition. Hinge and catch fine. The bow and pendant are fine and appear to be original, though with the usual repaired join to the case. Diameter 42.25 mm.

SILVER SECOND CASE : Diameter 51 mm. and with matching hallmarks to the inner. The silver is in good condition and the case is perfect except that the catch and button are missing.

SILVER/SHELL THIRD CASE : Diameter 60.5 mm. No silver hallmarks. The construction is of a brass base with silver rims. Again in very good condition with no shell missing. Just one short crack on the back. There are quite a few silver pins missing but no repairs. The hinge is fine but again the catch and button are missing.

SILVER FOURTH CASE : Diameter 67 mm. No hallmarks. The engraving is a bit worn but the hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut.

Loomes lists George Prior in London between 1765 and 1812. Like his son Edward, who succeeded him, Prior specialized in watches for the Eastern market and was making verge watches of 18th century style, still popular in this market, into the 19th century.