Fine gold repousse half quarter repeater

An early and excellent quality gold verge repeater, with an unusual half quarter repeat. All in exceptional condition.

MOVEMENT : Gilded movement with unusual stepped baluster pillars, small silver regulator disk, and beautifully pierced and engraved balance cock with mask to the neck.

The movement is signed C. Cabrier, LONDON 2 sr? and numbered 3590.

All in good condition. Running well and repeating correctly.

The half quarter repeat strikes the bell once for each hour, twice for each quarter, and then once for each half quarter (seven and a half minutes).

The movement is protected by a removable gilt dustcap, signed and numbered as the movement

DIAL : White enamel dial.

In good condition, though with a small flake at the opening catch, some light scratches and a longer scratch around the edge from 1 to 3.

Nice 18th century gilt hands.

INNER CASE : High carat gold case, with maker’s mark WP under the bell and a very small French gold mark on the back next to the winding aperture.

Nicely engraved and pierced with a mask on the band and the movement serial number 3590 at the neck.

Good condition, with one small dent to the left hand edge of the back. The high dome crystal is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly.

The small steel lever on the bezel at 7 is a ‘pulse piece’ allowing the repeat to be silent but vibrating, by pressing the button during the repeat. This lever is intact and functions correctly.

The bell is in good condition and strikes with a clear chime.

OUTER CASE : Unmarked high carat gold again, pierced, with beautiful repousse work showing two figures in a classical scene. A small button on the outside of the bezel at 7 allows the pulse piece to be operated.

The pulse button, catch, catch button and hinge are all fine and the bezel snaps shut nicely. The repousse work is in very good condition, with just a little wear to the high points of the figures.

There were several generations of Cabriers working in London through the 18th century. I believe this watch is by Charles II who worked from 1719.

The case maker is probably William Richards of Ludgate Hill, London . He was made Freeman of The Clockmakers Company in 1719.

A very similar watch to this, with similar serial number 3530, exists in the Metropolitan Museum collection in New York.