Late 18thc. Swiss or French Masonic pocket watch

Stock No. 1868

Anon.
Swiss, c1790
Gilt & enamel case, 55.25mm.
Verge escapement

Price £750

A late 18thc. Swiss verge, with Masonic symbols to the case and dial.

MOVEMENT : Gilt verge movement, with engraved and pierced balance bridge, large silver regulator disk and four round pillars.
Unsigned.

A few scratches around the pillar tops, and wear to the gilding at the edge of the balance but otherwise in good condition and running well.

DIAL : A very well painted enamel dial, with Masonic symbols and central chapter ring. In good condition with just one small flake at the winding aperture and another at the centre.

The dial is not quite straight in the case, so although the decoration on the case is also Masonic, the dial may be a replacement.

Blued steel Breguet type hands.

CASE : A large gilt case, the bezel set with clear stones. Raised and engraved decoration to the back, again set with clear stones., and again with Masonic symbols.

The band, stem and bow show some wear to the gilding, the the rest of the case is fine. The clear stones (glass crystals ?) to the bezel and back are complete (none missing).

The high dome crystal is good, and the bezel shuts correctly.

This watch was certainly made on the Continent around 1790, probably in Switzerland but could be France.