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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

English Verge Pocket Watch with Silver Pair Cases

Partially verified

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.

Dial view of the English verge pocket watch featuring champleve dial and blue steel hands.
Dial view of the English verge pocket watch featuring champleve dial and blue steel hands. — Zamanito / Pieces of Time. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Pepys, London
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1700
Source-reported place
England

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور تمام‌پلیت آن با روکش طلای آتشین (Fire gilt) اجرا شده”
  • “چهار پایه منحصر‌به‌فرد به شکل ستون‌های معماری شیاردار مستطیلی”
  • “سیستم انتقال نیرو از نوع فوزی و زنجیر (Fusee and chain) بوده و تنظیم مخزن فنر با چرخ و پیچ حلزونی میان صفحات موتور قرار گرفته است”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه نقره‌ای ساعت با روش شانپلوه (Champleve) ساخته شده”
  • “دارای حاشیه باریک طلاکاری‌شده، بخش میانی طلاکاری و فاصله‌گذارهای طلایی میان اعداد رومی و عربی”
  • “عقربه‌های فولادی آبی‌رنگ Beetle and poker همراهی می‌شود”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این اثر متشکل از دو قاب نقره‌ای هماهنگ است”
  • “قاب داخلی دارای طوقه شکافته (Split bezel) بوده و قاب خارجی مجهز به لولای هفت‌بخشی”
  • “علامت سازنده به‌صورت حروف لاتین «WS» در زیر یک تاج کوچک روی قاب بیرونی نقش بسته است”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the 'WS' maker's mark in the context of late 17th-century English horology?
  • Are there archival records linking the specific architectural column pillar design to a particular London workshop?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Verge Pocket Watch with Silver Pair Cases
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker's MarkWS beneath a crown“علامت سازنده به‌صورت حروف لاتین «WS» در زیر یک تاج کوچک روی قاب بیرونی نقش بسته است.”
Movement TypeFire-gilded full-plate verge“موتور تمام‌پلیت آن با روکش طلای آتشین (Fire gilt) اجرا شده”
Pillar StyleFluted architectural columns“چهار پایه منحصر‌به‌فرد به شکل ستون‌های معماری شیاردار مستطیلی”
Dial ConstructionSilver champleve with gilding“صفحه نقره‌ای ساعت با روش شانپلوه (Champleve) ساخته شده و دارای حاشیه باریک طلاکاری‌شده”
Case FeaturesSeven-jointed hinge on outer case“قاب خارجی مجهز به لولای هفت‌بخشی”
Hand StyleBeetle and poker“عقربه‌های فولادی آبی‌رنگ Beetle and poker”
TransmissionFusee and chain“سیستم انتقال نیرو از نوع فوزی و زنجیر (Fusee and chain)”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • Maker identity remains unconfirmed beyond the initials WS
  • Exact historical provenance is not stated

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Silver Champleve Dial Verge with Column Pillars

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ca0e26a3e9

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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