PAINTED DIAL SILVER PAIR CASED VERGE – 1800

This is a unique late 18th Century English verge watch. It features an unusual painted dial in silver pair cases. The watch has a full plate fire gilt fusee movement with turned pillars, giving it a visually appealing design. The movement also includes a pierced and engraved masked cock, as well as an engraved foot and plate for the silver regulator disc.

The watch showcases a plain three-arm steel balance and a blue steel spiral hairspring. What makes it stand out is the enamel dial, which is painted with a picturesque rural scene. The time is displayed on a small chapter of Roman numerals on the clock tower of a church in the foreground. Adding to the charm of the dial, two gentlemen are depicted shaking hands on the path leading to the church, with gravestones on either side. In the background, a windmill stands beside a serene river.

Interestingly, this watch has a matching plain silver pair of cases, with a silver pendant and bow. It also features a lateral steel stop lever, which is a rare find on watches without seconds. Typically, watches with painted scenes like this have automated sails on the windmill, mounted on a seconds arbor. Although this watch seems to have been intended to have a similar design, the dial has never been drilled for an extended arbor. Nonetheless, this exquisite timepiece showcases the craftsmanship and creativity of its maker, with the windmill situated above the contrate wheel pivot.

Overall, this late 18th Century English verge watch with its unusual painted dial and silver pair cases is a true antique treasure. Its unique features make it a standout piece among other timepieces of its era.

Signed Sims & Son London
Hallmarked London 1800
Diameter 56 mm