Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch

George Prior Triple-Case Verge Pocket Watch for the Ottoman Market

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch was produced by George Prior in London, dated by the seller to 1804 for export to the Ottoman market. The piece features a triple-case construction comprising two solid silver inner cases measuring 50 mm and 61 mm, accompanied by a 71 mm outer tortoiseshell case ornamented with inlaid silver studs and floral patterns. The white dial displays Ottoman numerals, decorative hands under a domed crystal, and signatures for George Prior and London. The seller reports an internal verge fusee movement numbered 32,762 with an intricately pierced balance bridge.

Dial and tortoiseshell outer case of the George Prior Ottoman market triple-case pocket watch
Dial and tortoiseshell outer case of the George Prior Ottoman market triple-case pocket watch — IberAntiques / Proantic. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.proantic.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
George Prior
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1678421
Source-reported date
1804
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
32,762

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

Dial and Exterior Presentation

The watch features a white dial marked with Ottoman numerals and an outer minute track. The signature 'GEORGE PRIOR' appears above the center arbor, with 'LONDON' positioned below. The time is indicated by ornate hands set under a domed crystal.

The triple-case assembly includes a 71 mm outer tortoiseshell case decorated with silver applications and silver studs. A silver pendant and a stirrup-shaped bow are attached to the case assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial, with Ottoman numerals”
  • “Central dial signature reading 'GEORGE PRIOR' above the center arbor and 'LONDON' below.”
  • “superb outer tortoiseshell case decorated with silver applications.”
  • “outer case of 71 mm in tortoiseshell”
  • “Silver pendant and stirrup-shaped bow at top.”

Internal Mechanism

The movement is signed and numbered 32,762. It includes a balance bridge described as a 'Holtz Floral' design, noted for being pierced with a central vase.

The internal components, including the movement and inner silver cases, are reported by the seller; these elements are not visible in the provided primary photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement, signed and numbered 32,762”
  • “It features a Holtz Floral balance bridge beautifully pierced with a central vase”

Construction and Sizing

The item is described as having a triple-case configuration intended for the Ottoman market. The assembly consists of two inner cases in solid silver alongside the outer tortoiseshell casing.

Reported dimensions for the components are 50 mm for the inner case, 61 mm for the intermediate case, and 71 mm for the outer tortoiseshell case.

Evidence for this section
  • “two inner cases in solid silver to the superb outer tortoiseshell case”
  • “Measurements: inner case 50 mm, intermediate case 61 mm, outer case 71 mm.”

Open research questions

  • Are the silver inner cases hallmarked to support the 1804 attribution?
  • Do internal movement markings align with documented George Prior production records?
  • Has the tortoiseshell casing been assessed for period-correct construction?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George Prior Triple-Case Verge Pocket Watch for the Ottoman Market
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and DateGeorge Prior, 1804“made in London by George Prior in 1804”
Movement Number32,762“The movement, signed and numbered 32,762”
Case DimensionsInner case 50 mm, intermediate case 61 mm, outer case 71 mm“Measurements: inner case 50 mm, intermediate case 61 mm, outer case 71 mm.”
Outer Case MaterialTortoiseshell with silver applications“superb outer tortoiseshell case decorated with silver applications.”
EscapementVerge fusee“This verge fusee pocket watch for the Ottoman market”
Attributed Date1804“made in London by George Prior in 1804”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with dark Ottoman numerals and outer minute track.
  • Central dial signature reading 'GEORGE PRIOR' above the center arbor and 'LONDON' below.
  • Outer tortoiseshell bezel set with floral pattern silver pin/stud decorations and textured silver rim.
  • Ornate gold-toned hands under a domed crystal.
  • Silver pendant and stirrup-shaped bow at top.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement and inner silver cases are described in the source listing but are not visible in the provided primary photograph.
  • The 1804 date of manufacture is based on dealer cataloguing and hallmarking assertions not directly verifiable from the dial photograph.

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

Consulted source

Proantic: Antique Ottoman Verge Pocket Watch. Triple Case. Silver. Geo

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 0cd21492be

Terms in this record

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

Other verge fusee pocket watch records