London cylinder Pocket Watch – 1797

This exquisite late 18th century London watch features a cylinder escapement and is housed in a silver pair case. The gilt fusee movement is in excellent condition, with a beautiful engraved and pierced balance cock and Bosley type regulator. The movement also has blued screws and a brass escape wheel, and is running well.

The removable gilt dustcap bears the signature "Robt. Fleetwood, Abchurch Lane, London" and is numbered (8702). The white enamel dial, possibly slightly later than the movement, is in excellent condition with only a small flake at the centre. The dial is fitted with gilt brass hands.

The inner case is made of silver and bears hallmarks for London, 1797. It is in very good condition and features a sliding shutter cover at the back. The hinge is intact and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome bull's eye crystal is in fine condition, and the bow and stem appear to be original.

The outer case is also made of silver and matches the hallmarks of the inner case. It is in good condition, with a complete hinge, catch, and catch button. The case closes securely, but there is some wear to the catch button and two very small dents on the back.

The watch is attributed to Robert Fleetwood, who was active as a watchmaker from 1763 until his death in 1794. It is interesting to note that this particular watch was cased about three years after Fleetwood's death, which was not uncommon at the time. The serial number (8702) is slightly higher than other known Fleetwood watches.

The case maker is believed to be Thomas Gibbard of Smithfield, London.

Creator: Robert Fleetwood
Place of Origin: London
Date of Manufacture: 1797
Silver pair cases, 53 mm
Cylinder escapement
Condition: Good