Early London verge by a good maker, c. 1700

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Crafted in the heart of London around 1700, this remarkable verge pocket watch is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of its time, attributed to the esteemed clockmaker Johann Bushmann II, also known as John Bushman. Born in Augsburg and later establishing his career in London, Bushman became a Free Brother in the Clockmakers’ Company in 1692 and served as an Assistant in 1720, marking his prominence in the horological community. This exquisite timepiece features a fine gilt verge movement, intricately engraved and adorned with a pierced winged balance cock that boasts a distinctive wide ”D” foot, showcasing the meticulous artistry of its maker. The watch’s unique charm is further enhanced by the four tulip pillars with their unusual wide crested tops, a silver regulator disk, and blued screws, all contributing to its captivating beauty. The silver champleve dial, signed at the center, remains in good condition, complemented by blued steel beetle and poker hands that complete the elegant design. Housed in a silver inner case, likely crafted by John Willoughby of Old Bailey, London, the watch bears a maker’s mark and serial number, with only slight compression on the band and a later 18th-century replacement bow. The outer case, adorned with different maker’s marks, is in very good condition and features a skillfully engraved inscription, “N. J. Wennberg, 1781,” on the back, suggesting a slightly later date than the inner case. This extraordinary timepiece, with its excellent working condition and rich historical provenance, is a rare find for collectors and enthusiasts alike, embodying the elegance and precision of early London horology. This exquisite London verge pocket watch features a fine movement and is made by a highly regarded craftsman. The gilt verge movement is adorned with intricate engravings and a pierced winged balance cock with a distinctive wide “D” foot. The four tulip pillars, with their unusual wide crested tops, add to the watch’s unique charm. The silver regulator disk and blued screws further enhance the movement’s beauty. The watch is in excellent working condition, with only minor scratches on the signature. The dial is a silver champleve dial, signed at the center, and is in good condition. The blued steel beetle and poker hands complement the overall design. The watch is housed in a silver inner case with a maker’s mark and serial number. The case is in good condition, with slight compression on the band. A small stud next to the winding aperture indicates the original presence of a shutter disk. The bow is a later 18th century replacement. The hinge is intact and the bezel closes securely. Lightly engraved initials “JHB” can be found on the back. The watch also comes with a silver pair case, featuring different maker’s marks. The outer case is in very good condition, with a functioning catch, catch button, and hinge. The back of the case is skillfully engraved with the inscription “N. J. Wennberg, 1781.” The rounded hinge suggests that the outer case is slightly later in date compared to the inner case by a different maker. This remarkable timepiece is attributed to Johann Bushmann II (also known as John Bushman), a skilled clockmaker who was born in Augsburg and later moved to London. He became a Free Brother in the Clockmakers’ Company in 1692 and served as the Assistant in the Company in 1720. The inner case is likely made by John Willoughby of Old Bailey, London. John Bushman London Period: c1700 Silver pair cases, 55 mm. Verge escapement Condition: Excellent