Up for sale is this incredible antique English verge fusee sterling silver pair case pocket watch. This beautiful timepiece was made in 1816 in London by a watchmaker named John Clegg. Both inner and outer cases are marked with English sterling hallmarks dating them to 1816. The movement is beautifully hand engraved and features wonderfully blued screws and an unusually large diamond end stone. One of the coolest features about this watch is the fact that it has service papers dating from 1830! Also included is a winding key and a modern stainless steel chain. MOVEMENT- Beautifully and meticulously hand engraved brass plates and balance cock, steel blued screws, and a very large hand cut diamond endstone make this one of the most beautiful movements I have ever seen. Movement is marked " John Clegg London 1817 "This is a key wind and key set mechanical verge escapement fusee. It uses a small chain to regulate the power put into the train as the mainspring winds down which improved the accuracy of the watch. The verge escapement was an unusual design and used an odd looking contrate wheel with upward facing teeth to help transfer power. Due to nature of the verge escapement the amplitude of the balance, or how far it swings back and forth, is much lower than modern movements. These movements are known for their unique design and architecture but didn't keep the best time. This was is running and functioning as it should and is running about 5 minutes fast a day which is quite impressive for this type of movement. This was has not been fully serviced, however there were a few things done to ensure it will run well. As clean as the movement is and as well as it's running I would not recommend having it cleaned. CASE(S)- Very nice sterling silver inner and outer case. Hallmarked and dated to 1816 and made in England. The outer case has a button which opens up in order to remove the pocket watch. The inner case has a lip at the 6 o'clock position where it can be opened so you can set the time on the front using the key. There is a small latch on near 6 o'clock which when depressed will allow you to flip the watch open and look at the movement. Tucked up the back of the outer case are service papers which are dated 1830. This was a popular place for such papers because it served two purposes: 1) you know when and where the watch was last serviced and you can produce the ticket upon request if needed for a warranty repair. 2) this prevented the two cases from rubbing against one another creating scratches on the two surfaces. The high domed glass crystal is in great condition and appears to be original to the watch. DIAL/HANDS- The hand made and hand painted porcelain dial is crisp and clean and shows very little wear. There are a few hairline cracks and a small chip as the 11 o'clock position, but nothing that is too distracting. The spade and baton hands appear to be original to the watch and are made from solid gold (I believe 18k). The dial and hands are in impeccable condition given that this is a 200 year old watch! Very legible and crisp hand painted Roman numerals and minute markers. OVERALL- The craftsmanship that went into this timepiece is second to none. Needs nothing. PICTURES DO NOT DO THIS WATCH JUSTICE! Guaranteed authentic and as described! Don't miss out on the stunning timepiece!! SOLD AS IS NO WARRANTY ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL BUYERS- YOU are responsible for all import fees/taxes/VAT to your country so check with them ahead of time. I will only ship via eBay's international shipping program, therefore I do not have any control over the price of shipping of any other fees. Be sure to look at the pictures carefully as they are of the very watch you will receive. No returns and watch is sold as is. IL Residents pay 8.0% for sales tax.
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