Excellent silver repousse case

A mid 18th century London verge watch, in silver pair cases, with a particularly fine repousse outer.

MOVEMENT : Gilt fusee movement, with verge escapement, engraved and pierced balance bridge and plate, four square baluster pillars, and small silver regulator disk.

There are some scratches to the top plate and loss of some gilding. Also a couple of the movement wheels show signs of old repairs, but it is running well.

Signed J?. Woodford, London and numbered 11465.

DIAL : A fine signed white enamel dial, in excellent condition with some very light scratches but no chips, hairlines or repairs.

Good 18th century blued steel beetle and poker hands.

INNER CASE : Silver, with hallmarks for London, 1789, maker’s mark WB? and serial number matching the movement.

In reasonable condition. There are some light bruises to the silver at the centre of the back. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.

The high dome bull’s eye crystal is good, though with one chip, right on the edge at 6 (almost hidden by the bezel). The bow and stem are fine, though the stem has been reattached.

OUTER CASE : Silver repousse pair case.

In excellent condition with hardly any wear to the repousse high points. The hinge, catch button and catch are complete and the case snaps shut.

Although marked LONDON, this watch may be of Continental origin, possibly made in Switzerland or perhaps France.