Early verge watch with Garden of Eden automaton

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step into the enchanting world of 18th-century horology with this extraordinary Early Verge Pocket Watch, adorned with a mesmerizing Garden of Eden automation from circa 1730. This rare English timepiece is a testament to the craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity of its era, featuring a deep full plate fire gilt movement and turned baluster pillars encased in a luxurious consular gold case. The watch’s intricate mechanism includes a fusee and chain with a worm and wheel barrel set up between plates, while the winged cock and regulator plate are left unadorned, allowing the watch’s mechanical elegance to shine. The plain gilt balance is supported by a central stalk, which also carries a wheel driven by another mounted on the contrate wheel arbor. The exquisite white enamel dial, adorned with Roman and Arabic numerals and blue steel beetle and poker hands, features apertures for winding and regulation, adding to its functional beauty. The back of the case reveals an enchanting scene of Eve offering Adam the apple in the Garden of Eden, intricately chased and engraved in gold repousse. As the watch runs, a snake circles the scene, its movement cleverly concealed under the pierced and engraved border of the dust cover. Despite the absence of a signature on the specially designed movement and the undecorated cock, this timepiece remains a rare and exceptional artifact in excellent overall condition, embodying the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship of early 18th-century English watchmaking. With a diameter of 52mm and a depth of 20mm, this watch is a stunning collector’s item that captures the essence of an era long past. This is a remarkable and rare 18th century English verge watch featuring an automated scene encased in a consular gold case. The watch has a deep full plate fire gilt movement with turned baluster pillars, fusee and chain with a worm and wheel barrel set up between plates. The winged cock and regulator plate are left plain without any piercing or engraving. The plain gilt balance is supported by a central stalk, which also carries a wheel driven by another mounted on the contrate wheel arbor. The watch has an exquisite white enamel dial with apertures for winding and regulation. The dial has Roman and Arabic numerals, blue steel beetle and poker hands. The watch case is a plain gold consular case with the maker’s mark “IB”. At the back of the case, there is a glazed aperture that reveals a gold chased and engraved repousse scene showing Eve offering Adam the apple in the Garden of Eden. As the watch runs, a snake circles the scene, its support hidden under the pierced and engraved border of the dust cover. This watch is a rare and exceptional timepiece that is in excellent overall condition. It is surprising that the specially designed movement is not signed, and the maker has not decorated the cock, which remains concealed under the dust ring that is secured by two screws. This watch is signed English and dates back to around 1730. Its diameter is 52mm, and its depth is 20mm. Signed English Circa 1730 Diameter 52 mm Depth 20mm