MOVEMENT : Nicely gilded movement with very ornate pillars, and engraved and pierced balance cock. The movement is signed and numbered in Turkish? characters. It is in good original condition and is running well.

DIAL : The signed enamel dial, with Turkish numerals, is about 36.5 mm in diameter. It is in good condition with some surface scratches and a repair on the edge at 7 o’clock. Nice black steel beetle and poker hands.

SILVER INNER CASE : Full London hallmarks for 1776, maker IR. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine. The silver has a few light scratches but overall it is in very good condition. The bow and pendant are fine and appear to be original, though with the usual repaired join to the case. Diameter 44 mm.

SILVER MIDDLE CASE : Diameter 53.5 mm. and with matching hallmarks to the inner. The silver is in good condition with just a few very light bruises. The hinge and catch are fine though the catch button has worn down.

SILVER/SHELL OUTER CASE : Diameter 62 mm. No silver hallmarks. The construction is of a brass base with silver rims. Again in very good condition with no shell missing and just two short cracks on the back. There are a some silver pins missing but no repairs. The hinge and catch are fine.

Loomes lists George Prior in London between 1765 and 1812. Like his son Edward, who succeeded him, Prior specialized in watches for the Eastern market and was making verge watches of 18th century style, still popular in this market, into the 19th century.