Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Triple case verge fusee pocket watch

George Robertson 22K Gold Triple Case Verge Fusee Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique English open face pocket watch dates to circa 1750 and features a triple case design. According to the seller, the inner case is crafted of 22K gold featuring repoussé decoration depicting a scene from Virgil's Aeneid. The outermost case is constructed of gilt tombac alloy mounted with green shagreen piqué and fitted with a protective crystal. The key-wound and key-set verge fusee movement is numbered 20, signed George Robertson, London, and features a pierced and engraved balance cock.

Front view of the pocket watch enclosed in its green shagreen piqué outer case showing dial and hands
Front view of the pocket watch enclosed in its green shagreen piqué outer case showing dial and hands — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Triple case verge fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
George Robertson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
JROS 2032
Source-reported date
Circa 1750
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
20

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

Watch Exterior and Dial

The watch is presented in a triple-case configuration. The outer case is described as constructed of gilt tombac alloy, featuring shagreen with piqué decoration and a crystal.

The dial is white enamel featuring black Roman numeral hour markers and an outer track. The watch is equipped with gilt openwork hands and an oval bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “outer case is crafted of gilt tombor alloy with shagreen pique and crystal”
  • “White enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and outer track”
  • “Gilt openwork hands and an oval bow at top”

Movement

The timepiece contains a key-wound and key-set verge fusee movement, identified as number 20. The movement is signed 'George Robertson, London' and is described as featuring a chain-driven, pierced, and engraved balance cock.

The specific state of the internal movement is not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “key wind key set verge fusee movement #20”
  • “chain driven pierced and engraved filiate balance clock signed George Robertson, London”

Inner Case and Origin

The inner case is described by the seller as being crafted of 22K gold and featuring repoussé decoration depicting a scene from Virgil’s Aeneid.

The watch is attributed to circa 1750. The inner case is not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “intricately crafted of 22K gold”
  • “repose inner case depicts a scene from Virgil’s Aeneid”
  • “Circa 1750”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number 20 correspond with known production records for George Robertson of London?
  • Can the repoussé scene on the inner case be verified against known iconography from the Aeneid?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George Robertson 22K Gold Triple Case Verge Fusee Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement MakerGeorge Robertson, London“signed George Robertson, London”
Case Construction22K gold open face triple case“intricately crafted of 22K gold with an open face design residing a triple case”
Movement MechanismKey wind key set verge fusee movement #20“key wind key set verge fusee movement #20”
Inner Case DecorationRepoussé scene from Virgil's Aeneid“repose inner case depicts a scene from Virgil’s Aeneid”
Outer Case MaterialsGilt tombor alloy with shagreen pique and crystal“outer case is crafted of gilt tombor alloy with shagreen pique and crystal”
DateCirca 1750“Circa 1750”
MakerGeorge Robertson, London“signed George Robertson, London”
Serial Number20“movement #20”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour markers and outer track
  • Gilt openwork hands and an oval bow at top
  • Green shagreen outer bezel decorated with inlaid metallic pins (piqué work)

Research qualifications

  • The repoussé inner case and internal verge fusee movement are not visible in the provided image.

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

Consulted source

English 22K Gold Open Face Triple Case Pocket Watch - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 033d4cd9cf

Terms in this record

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