Silver gilt pair cased London verge, 1887

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

The “Silver gilt pair cased London verge – 1887” is a captivating timepiece that embodies the artistry and precision of late 18th-century London watchmaking. This exquisite watch is distinguished by its silver gilt pair case design, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects the intricate mechanics within. At its heart lies a gilt verge movement, characterized by an engraved and pierced balance cock, four round pillars, and a steel balance wheel, all meticulously crafted and signed by the renowned watchmaker Mathew Prior of London. The movement, numbered 7271, remains in good condition, with only minor scratches around the pillar tops, and continues to run smoothly. Complementing the movement is a pristine white enamel dial, adorned with gilt hands that add a touch of elegance to the timepiece. The inner case, marked with London hallmarks for 1787 and the maker’s mark IR, is well-preserved, showcasing minimal wear to the gilding and a high dome bull’s eye crystal that remains pristine. The outer case, also silver gilt, matches the inner case’s hallmarks, though it shows signs of wear with a worn catch button and a bezel that no longer snaps shut properly. Despite these minor imperfections, this watch stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of its era, with the case maker’s mark hinting at a possible creation by James Richards of Bridgewater Square, London. this timepiece is not just a functional object but a piece of history, reflecting the elegance and skill of 18th-century London horology. This late 18th century London verge watch showcases a beautiful silver gilt pair case design. The movement is a gilt verge movement with an engraved and pierced balance cock, four round pillars, and a steel balance wheel. It is signed by Mathew Prior of London and numbered 7271. The movement is in good condition, with only minor scratches around the pillar tops and is running well. The dial is a white enamel dial that is in good condition, with some light scratches and rubbing around the edges. It features gilt hands that accentuate the overall elegance of the timepiece. The inner case is made of silver gilt and bears London hallmarks for 1787, with the maker’s mark IR. It is in good condition with minimal wear to the gilding, only a few slight bruises on the back, and a reattached stem. The hinge is in good condition and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The high dome bull’s eye crystal remains pristine. The outer case is also silver gilt and has hallmarks matching those on the inner case. It is in reasonable condition, although the catch button has worn down and the bezel no longer snaps shut properly. Overall, this watch is a stunning example of late 18th century London craftsmanship, with its intricate movement and beautiful pair case design. The case maker’s mark suggests it may have been made by James Richards of Bridgewater Square, London. Creator: Mathew Prior Place of Origin: London Date of Manufacture: 1787 Silver gilt pair cases, 50 mm. Verge escapement Condition: Good