A quarter repeating movement, by the one of the most famous English watchmakers, later converted to a lever.

MOVEMENT : Lever movement (originally a cylinder), signed ‘Tho. Mudge, W. Dutton, London’, and numbered (1408). With finely engraved and pierced balance cock and plate, diamond endstone and blued screws. Five round pillars. In fine condition and running well. Both watch movement and repeating mechanism are working well, though the strike of the bell is a dull tap rather than a clear chime (probably caused by the adjustment to the replacement bell – see below). The movement is protected by a signed gilt brass dustcap.

DIAL : Later white enamel, in fine condition with no repairs. Later blued steel spade hands.

CASE : Later, but nice quality, very heavy silver case. Hallmarks for London, 1896, maker JW. In good condition throughout. Both covers snap shut correctly and the high dome crystal is fine. The later replacement case (and dial) is a perfect fit for the movement, so was probably purpose made. The bell is also a replacement, and has been redrilled (now 2 holes) to allow winding through the back.

The serial number dates this watch to about 1785 when Thomas Mudge was still in partnership with William Dutton.

Thomas Mudge