English Consular Case Verge Fusée Pocket Watch by Windmills of London
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1710
This early eighteenth-century English pocket watch, dated to circa 1710, is attributed to London clockmakers Joseph and Thomas Windmills. The timepiece features a sterling silver consular case designed to open from the front.
According to the seller, it houses a key-wound gilt verge fusée movement with Egyptian pillars and a false pendulum, bearing number 2273 on an engraved back plate. The champlevé-style silver dial displays Roman hour numerals and an outer Arabic minute ring against foliate engraving, with an aperture displaying the false pendulum above a cartouche signed 'WINDMILLS'.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- Circa 1710
- Type
- Verge fusée pocket watch
- Case material
- Sterling silver
- Movement type
- Gilt verge fusée with false pendulum
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement number
- 2273
- Maker attribution
- Joseph and Thomas Windmills of London
- Maker / attribution
- Joseph and Thomas Windmills
Design
- Visible features
- • Polished silver consular pocket watch case with prominent oval bow, round pendant, and external case hinge at approximately 9 o'clock. • Elaborately engraved silver dial with Roman hour numerals, concentric outer Arabic five-minute numerals, and foliate scrollwork in the spandrels. • Central blued or steel hands and an aperture between 4 and 6 o'clock revealing gilded movement components and a simulated pendulum balance element. • Lower applied banner or cartouche engraved with the name 'WINDMILLS'.
- Case Construction and Movement Housing
- Direct visual inspection shows a polished silver consular pocket watch case with a round pendant, an oval bow, and an external hinge positioned near 9 o'clock. The seller reports the case material as sterling silver and notes that it opens from the front rather than the back to access the internal mechanism. Specific casemaker marks or silver hallmarks are not recorded in the source text or shown in available imagery.
- Dial Configuration and Visual Features
- Visual observation indicates an engraved silver dial centered with blued or steel hands. It is laid out with Roman numerals indicating the hours, a concentric outer band with Arabic five-minute numerals, and foliate scrollwork in the spandrels. Positioned between approximately 4 and 6 o'clock is an aperture revealing gilded components and a false pendulum balance element. Below this opening is an applied cartouche or banner engraved with the name 'WINDMILLS'.
- Source Reported Movement and Engraving
- The source describes the internal mechanism as a key-wound gilt verge fusée movement fitted with Egyptian pillars. It is reported to incorporate a false pendulum that moves alongside the mechanism and appears through the dial opening. According to the dealer, the ornate back plate is numbered 2273, signed, and hand-engraved with scrolling foliates, birds, and a bearded face. The dealer also states the movement has undergone a full restoration.
Identification
- Serial number
- 2273
- Inventory number
- DKRO EMAR119
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The movement plate, serial number 2273, Egyptian pillars, and interior engravings are not visible in the provided image and rely entirely on dealer statements.
- Research required: Claims of full restoration and attribution to Joseph and Thomas Windmills are source-reported.