Early Subsidiary Seconds English Verge Pocket Watch, c. 1770

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step back in time with the extraordinary Early Subsidiary Seconds English Verge Pocket Watch, a captivating creation from circa 1770 that epitomizes the pinnacle of 18th-century horological craftsmanship. This remarkable timepiece is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the era, featuring a unique design with subsidiary seconds nestled within its gilt metal pair cases. The watch’s full plate fire gilt movement, adorned with turned pillars, showcases the meticulous attention to detail and masterful skills of its creators. A pierced and engraved cock, accompanied by a silver regulator disc, adds to the watch’s intricate beauty, while the fusee and chain mechanism, complete with a worm and wheel barrel setup, ensures precise timekeeping. The plain three-arm steel balance and blue steel spiral hairspring further enhance its functionality. A standout feature of this watch is the lateral steel stop lever, which provides additional control over the movement by acting on the contrate wheel. The elegant white enamel dial, adorned with subsidiary seconds and Arabic numerals, is complemented by striking blue steel hands, offering a harmonious blend of form and function. The gilt metal pair cases, complete with a gilt pendant and bow, exude charm and sophistication, while the inner bearing marks, crafted to resemble hallmarks, add a touch of authenticity and elegance. As one of the early examples of incorporating subsidiary seconds into a verge watch, this timepiece is a rare find, with its subsidiary seconds dial placement influenced by the contrate wheel pinion, deviating slightly from the traditional 6 o’clock position. Signed by Robt Green of Liverpool, this watch, with a diameter of 48 mm and a depth of 14 mm, is not only a functional marvel but also a prized addition to any collection of horological treasures, beautifully exemplifying the innovation and artistry of 18th-century watchmaking. This exquisite English verge watch from the 18th century features a unique design with subsidiary seconds in gilt metal pair cases. The movement is a full plate fire gilt with turned pillars, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship of the time. The watch includes a pierced and engraved cock, as well as a silver regulator disc. The fusee and chain mechanism, with a worm and wheel barrel setup between the plates, ensures a smooth and accurate timekeeping experience. The watch also boasts a plain three-arm steel balance and a blue steel spiral hairspring. One notable feature of this timepiece is the lateral steel stop lever, which acts on the contrate wheel to provide additional control over the movement. The white enamel dial is elegantly designed, featuring subsidiary seconds and Arabic numerals, complemented by striking blue steel hands. The gilt metal pair cases add to the watch’s charm, with a gilt pendant and bow completing the overall aesthetic. The inner bearing marks are carefully crafted to resemble hallmarks, further enhancing the watch’s elegance and sophistication. This particular watch is one of the early examples of incorporating subsidiary seconds into a verge watch, a practice that was not commonly seen due to the low accuracy of the verge escapement. The placement of the subsidiary seconds dial, slightly deviating from the traditional 6 o’clock position, is influenced by the contrate wheel pinion. This remarkable timepiece beautifully exemplifies the artistry and innovation of watchmaking in the 18th century, making it a prized addition to any collection of horological treasures. Signed Robt Green Liverpool Circa 1770 Diameter 48 mm Depth 14 mm