17thc.  alarm watch case

Dimensions :

Exterior diameter : 60 mm.
Interior diameter of outer bezel : 45.8 mm.
Interior diameter of inner bezel : 44.8 mm.
Interior depth to outer bezel opening : 31.5 mm.
Interior depth to inner bezel opening : 27.8 mm.
Interior depth to hinge : 24.2 mm.

This is a gilded brass case, heavily pierced and engraved. It has quite a complex construction with an inner and outer bezel, both held by the same hinge.
There is a screw fitting to the inside of the back, to attach a bell. So this case was for a striking, alarm watch.

The gilding is bright (may have been regilded) and overall the metal work is in good condition. There are a few small cracks ans splits but the case is strong and the structure is stable. The hinge is good and the bezels close against the catch.

The finials at the top (and suspension ring) and at the bottom of the band are missing, leaving threaded holes. There are signs (solder marks) of repairs to the insides of both bezels. There is some wear to the top bezel at the catch, but the catch still holds.
On the base of the inner bezel there are two broken off lugs which would have been used to attach the movement top plate.