A very attractive late 18th century verge in fine gold and shell triple exhibition case.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge, and silver regulator disk. Signed ‘CHA. SMITH, LONDON’ and numbered (607). Four square pillars.

All in good original condition and running well.

DIAL : Signed white enamel in generally good condition, though with some small chips around the edge, the worst at 5. Nice original 18th century gold beetle and poker hands, though the minute hand is missing the tip.

INNER CASE : 22ct. gold, with London hallmarks for 1789, maker RP, and stamped with the movement number 607. There is a little compression around the band, but the bezel snaps shut nicely and the high dome crystal is fine. The stem has a French gold mark so is probably a replacement (though of the correct period and style).

MIDDLE CASE : A fine 22ct. gold case, with wonderful repousse work, depicting the Clemency of Scipio. Very little wear to the repousse work, as this has been protected by the outer case. The hinge and catch are all fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. There is a little damage to the catch button.

OUTER CASE : A fine gilt and tortoiseshell case, with glass exhibition back. The shell is in very good condition with just one crack on the front, and no pieces missing. There is just one pin absent. The shell retains a good colour. The crystal, hinge, catch and catch button are all fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely.

This watch, although having a London hallmark and signature, was probably made on the Continent.