MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement in very good, clean condition and working well. Signed “Jh. Gay, Hr. de Roy, A TURIN”.

DIAL : 38.5 mm. This wonderful signed white enamel dial is in virtually perfect condition with no repairs and just a couple of tiny flakes at the centre aperture. Excellent, original 18th century, gold beetle and poker hands (possible old repair to the minute).

CASE : 47.5 mm. Gilt with engraved bezel and repousse decoration on the back. Good overall condition with some wear to the high points on the back.
The high dome bull’s eye crystal is fine. One of the sleeves on the hinge has broken but the case snaps shut nicely.

Joseph Gay is listed in Turin in 1785. It was not uncommon for European watchmakers to claim an association with a royal family but whether Gay was really the Horologer To The King requires some further research.