Mid 18thc. London verge with unusual engraving

A mid 18thc. London verge watch, with particularly unusual engraving to the movement.

MOVEMENT : Gilt fusee movement, with verge escapement, engraved and pierced balance cock, four square pillars, silver regulator disk. The balance cock and plates are engraved with ‘lace’ edges surrounding a very striking and unusual geometric pattern.

Signed J. Roberts, London and numbered 8635.

Running well and in good condition.

DIAL : The white enamel dial is in quite good condition, with just some chips to the edge between 2 and 3, and some damage around the catch at 6.

Later, gilt hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with hallmarks for London, 1759, maker’s mark CP.

The stem has been reattached and the bow is a little distorted, but otherwise all in good condition. The bezel snaps shut and the high dome crystal is fine.

OUTER CASE : A silver pair case, with hallmarks and maker’s mark matching the inner.

The silver is again in good condition with just a few small bruises. The hinge and catch are fine and the case snaps shut, but the catch button has worn down.

The case maker is Christopher Potticary of Bridgewater Square, London.

The lace edge to the balance cock table and plate is a feature seen in watches, mainly from London, within a short period of about 1757 to 1770.