Fine, small English late 18th century watch, with verge movement, in excellent gold case. All in good condition.

MOVEMENT : Good quality gilded verge fusee movement, with finely engraved balance cock and blued screws. All in good original condition and running well. Signed (Fras. Perigal, London) and numbered (347).

DIAL : The white enamel dial is in almost perfect condition with just one tiny flake at the winding aperture. Later brass ‘fleur de lys’ style hands.

CASE : Hallmarks for 22ct gold, London, 1779, maker IW. Beautifully engraved throughout with central cartouche on the back engraved with monogram (possible HC).

Fine condition with very little wear to the engraving. The hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut nicely. The high dome crystal has a few small scratches but no chips or cracks.

The watch is complete with a beautiful gold key. The gold oval is fine but the lower flower is missing from the centre. However the key is still strong and functions well.

Francis Perigal is listed in New Bond Street, London from 1770. He was in the Clockmaker’s Company from 1781 and Watchmaker to the King.