London ‘doctors’ watch

A verge escapement watch, in gilt pair cases, with a regulator style dial (doctor’s watch), large overlapping seconds dial and stop work.

MOVEMENT : A gilt fusee movement, with verge escapement, engraved and pierced balance cock, four round pillars, blues screws and Tompion type regulator.

A steel lever under the dial at 9 allows the movement to be stopped and restarted.

Signed John Bannister, London and numbered 687.

Running well with the stop lever working correctly.

DIAL : A white enamel dial, with overlapping hours/minutes and seconds dials

In good condition, but with a few light scratches and two very light hairlines running from the edge at 4 and also from the edge at 5.

Gilt hands, with blued steel seconds.

INNER CASE : Gilt metal with maker’s mark (IB?) and serial numbers 6 and 687 (movement number).

In good condition, though with overall wear to the gilding on the outer surfaces. The bow is a little worn and probably a replacement. The bezel snaps shut correctly.

The high dome bull’s eye crystal is good.

OUTER CASE : A gilt metal outer case, with no maker’s mark.

It is in good condition, with even wear to the gilding. The hinge and catch are good, and the case snaps shut correctly. The catch button has worn down but is still fuctional.