Gold repousse triple pair cased verge

A mid 18th century verge watch, in gold repousse pair cases, with a gilt and leather third protective case.

MOVEMENT : Gilded verge escapement, with a beautifully engraved and pierced winged balance cock, showing entwined foliage and a shell to the neck. Jewelled steel coquerette. Four square baluster pillars, gilt regulator disk and blued screws.

Signed (Martineau, London).

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

DIAL : The fine white enamel dial is in excellent condition, with just one very faint short hairline on the edge between 15 and 20.

Gold coloured fancy hands.

INNER CASE : Gold, with heavily rubbed hallmarks.

In good condition, with just the usual compression to the band, some small bruises to the band and a small dent on the back. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome, bull’s eye crystal is perfect. The bow is brass, rather than gold, so possibly a replacement.

MIDDLE CASE : A gold pair case with repousse decoration showing a classical scene, with a central figure surrounded by scrolls.

In reasonable condition with some wear to the high points of the repousse work, resulting in a few pin holes, the largest to the body of the figure. There is a larger hole to the edge of the back at 10, and old repairs visible from the inside. On the bezel, a small section of the rim has detached slightly from the bezel, between 3and 4.
The hinge, catch and catch button are all fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.

OUTER CASE : Gilt brass, with leather or shagreen covering to the bezel (now missing from the back).

Except for the missing covering on the back, the case is in very good condition. The hinge, catch and catch button are all fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.