MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge. Signed ‘Tarts, London’ and numbered (4536). Four square pillars. In generally good condition, though the worm screw set up for the mainspring has been replaced with a simple click. Running well.

DIAL : Silver champleve dial, with signed central disk (TARTS). A particularly nice design, with unusual scrolls around the outer rim. In excellent condition. Gilt brass hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with hallmarks for London, 1771 and rubbed makers mark (JM?). In quite good condition, with some wear to the hinge, a few light bruises and some compression around the band. The bezel shuts correctly and the high dome, bull’s eye crystal is also fine.

OUTER CASE : Silver with very high relief repousse decoration to the back. This high relief is achieved by the raised decoration being cut away, backed with a silver plate. There is some wear to the repousse work, and the silver plate has been reattached, but still an attractive case. The hinge and catch are fine (replacement catch spring) and the case closes correctly.

Tarts is a name commonly used to sign watches made on the Continent during the mid 18th century. These are usually marked ‘London’ but were probably made in France or Switzerland.