This is a George III English silver pair cased pocket watch, in good working condition, with a verge escapement fusee movement, made around 1767 by George Chester, London.

MOVEMENT : Very clean, gilded movement, signed and numbered (550). It is running well, to within a minute per hour. This is a good quality movement, unusually have 6 spokes to the 3rd and 4th wheels. When winding, the fusee occasionally slips a couple of teeth on the ratchet, but it winds fully and runs down perfectly.

DIAL : The white enamel dial is about 35.5 mm in diameter. It is in nice condition with no repairs. It has some light hairlines near 9 o’clock, small edge chips at 12 and 3 and some light surface scratches. Brass hands.

INNER CASE : Hallmarks for London. 1767, maker’s mark IW. The case is in very good condition and snaps shut nicely. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is perfect. The bow and pendant are fine without the usual repaired join to the case. The silver is in excellent condition with no dents, bad scratches or repairs.

OUTER CASE : Matching hallmarks to the inner and again in fine condition, though the catch button is worn down. The hinge is fine and the case snaps shut properly. The back of the case is beautifully engraved and I believe this engraving is original.

Loomes lists George Chester in London, pre 1770