Early London gold & enamel pair cased verge

An early 18th century verge watch, in gold and enamel pair cases.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with a beautifully engraved and pierced winged balance cock, showing foliage around a central rosette and a mask to the neck. Four square baluster pillars, silver regulator disk and blued screws.

Signed (Jno. Shrimps, LONDON) and numbered (657).

The movement is in very good original condition, and is running well.

DIAL : The white enamel dial is in reasonable condition, with just three very light hairlines running from 3, 6 and 9 towards the centre, and a small chip on the edge at 6. No repairs.
This dial is later than the movement, which would originally have had a gold champleve dial.

Gold coloured fancy hands.

INNER CASE : 22ct gold, hallmarked for London, 1736, maker’s mark rubbed (ER?).

In good condition, with just two light bruises to the band and some rubbing around the band. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome crystal has some light scratches but no chips.

OUTER CASE : A fine quality 22ct gold (tested) pair case with engraved decoration to the bezel and back and green, blue and red enamel highlights. Maker’s mark DA.

The gold is in good condition, though with a couple of old repairs which are only visible from the back. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut, though with a gap near the stem. The catch button is worn but still functional. The enamel has a few pieces missing, the most obvious being the red enamel from the heart at the bottom and the body of the cherub at the top.

The outer case is of the same period, and is a reasonable fit, but by a different maker.
So probably a replacement, or possibly bought in by the watchmaker to add to the English inner.