Basic info

Collection

Social History

Object name

Verge watch

Object category

Working life

Object subcategory

Distribution, hotels, catering, retail and repairs

Creators

Joyce (watchmaker) (Watchmaker)

Description

Early balance spring-verge. A large, thick, three wheel train verge watch of the type known as a French Oignon, in a fine brass gilt repousse case (low relief) with square hinge. The movement swings out of the case and is locked by a spring catch the release for which projects through the dial. The dial has a central enamelled chapter ring with 24 divisions on a white white ground and large blue Roman hour numerals in cartouches on white ground, the rest of the dial area being gilt, punched and chiselled. The later single hand is driven by a wheel and pinion from the fusee arbor and is fitted round a central square for winding. The plate pillars are finely cut Egyptian 1.45 cm tall, and the 9 turn fusee has a convential stop with a fancy bracket. A very large balance bridge, pierced and chiselled in a symmetrical design with a dragon, bird and leaf pattern covers a flat steel three arm balance with a balance spring of one and half turns. A blued steel regulator wheel engages a quadrant on the plate, with setting square. Mainspring set-up under dial.

Production date start

1690

Production date end

1710

Period

Stuart

William and Mary

Queen Anne