Pair cased London verge with alarm

A late 17thc century or early 18th, single handed, verge alarm in fine silver pair cases, with good original champleve dial.

MOVEMENT : A gilt verge alarm movement. Engraved and pierced plates and engraved alarm barrel. Plain gilt, star shaped balance cock (replacement) and a small silver regulator disk.

Steel alarm mechanism, striking the bell with a single hammer.

Signed ‘Rodet, London’.

There are two winding arbors, through the dial, one which winds the fusee, and the other winds the alarm strike barrel.

The movement is in fine condition, is running well and the alarm functions correctly. All original, except for the balance cock, which is probably a 19th century replacement.

DIAL : Fine silver champleve dial, with central alarm disk.

A few small areas of black infill missing from the champleve work, but generally fine.

The single hand (which is attached to the alarm disk) is set by turning (clockwise) the disk, using the similar steel marker opposite on the disk as a thumb piece.

The alarm is set by turning the central arbor (again clockwise) until the central pointer indicates the alarm time required on the disk.

INNER CASE : Engraved and pierced silver, with mounted steel bell.
The band is beautifully engraved with hunting scenes, showing dogs, birds, a rabbit, and a large mask.

Nice condition with just a little compression to the band. The stem, bow and high dome bull’s eye crystal are all in fine condition. The hinge is good and the bezel closes correctly.

The bell, screwed to the inside, is fine with no damage or repairs.

OUTER CASE : Silver pierced, repousse outer case.

As for the inner, there are no maker’s marks. The back is beautifully decorated with a central boss, and four portraits around the edge.

Two of the sleeves have been replaced on the hinge (a different colour) but this repair has been well done and is strong. Otherwise the case is fine.

There are a couple of makers named Rodet during this period. The most likely maker of this watch is Jacob Rodet, a Huguenot working from about 1697.