English Verge Pocket Watch with Silver Pair Cases
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1700
This English verge pocket watch dates to approximately 1700 and is housed in matching silver pair cases. The movement is a full-plate design featuring fire-gilding and is supported by four pillars shaped as rectangular fluted architectural columns with molded bases and capitals.
It utilizes a fusee and chain transmission system, with the spring barrel regulator situated between the plates. The balance cock is intricately pierced and engraved with a winged mask motif. The watch incorporates a three-arm steel balance wheel, regulated by a silver disk. The silver champleve dial includes a gilded central portion and gilded spacers between the Roman and Arabic numerals, paired with blue steel beetle and poker hands.
The inner case features a split bezel, while the outer case includes a seven-jointed hinge and silver bow. A maker's mark consisting of the letters 'WS' beneath a crown is present on the outer case.
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
- Type
- Verge pocket watch
- Hand Style
- Beetle and poker
- Maker's Mark
- WS beneath a crown
- Pillar Style
- Fluted architectural columns
- Transmission
- Fusee and chain
- Case Features
- Seven-jointed hinge on outer case
- Movement Type
- Fire-gilded full-plate verge
- Place recorded
- England
- Dial Construction
- Silver champleve with gilding
- Maker / attribution
- Pepys, London
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The dial is crafted using the champleve technique, a process involving the carving of the silver plate to create recesses for contrasting decorative elements. It features a narrow gilded border and a gilded central area, which enhances legibility against the Roman and Arabic numeral chapters. Gilded spacers are set between the numerals, adding to the decorative complexity of the dial face. The time is indicated by blue steel hands in the beetle and poker style, a consistent design feature that provides a clear contrast against the silver and gold dial surface.
- Cases and Marks
- Both the inner and outer cases are constructed of silver and are designed to fit together precisely. The inner case is notable for its split bezel. The outer case includes a sturdy seven-jointed hinge, as well as a silver pendant and bow for attachment. A maker's mark comprising the initials 'WS' surmounted by a small crown is found on the outer case, serving as the primary identifier for the watch's origin.
- Visible features
- • Blue steel beetle and poker hands • Intricately pierced balance cock featuring a mask design • Four architectural columns serving as movement pillars • Champleve dial with silver and gilded elements
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a full-plate verge escapement mechanism, a standard configuration for English timepieces of the late 17th century. The plates are finished with fire-gilding, providing a durable and decorative surface. Structural integrity is provided by four pillars, which are distinctively modeled as rectangular fluted architectural columns, complete with molded capitals and bases. Power is delivered via a fusee and chain system, with the spring regulation performed by a worm and wheel mechanism positioned between the plates. The balance assembly consists of a three-arm steel wheel regulated by a silver disk.
Identification
- 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: Maker identity remains unconfirmed beyond the initials WS
- Research required: Exact historical provenance is not stated