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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Verge fusee movement

Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement by Wm. Chester, Shoreditch

Partially verified

This is an English gilt full-plate verge fusee pocket watch movement dating to circa 1830 during the Georgian era. Engraved on the top plate with the maker inscription 'Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch' and serial number 3659, the movement features a solid, foliate-engraved balance cock fitted with a diamond endstone in a blued setting and an engraved grotesque mask. A calibrated curved regulator scale marked 'Slow' and 'Fast' is adjusted via a pointed blued-steel indicator. According to the seller, the movement measures 44 mm in diameter by 15 mm in depth, retains its chain and balance, and was preserved without its case or intact dial.

Back plate view of the Wm. Chester verge fusee movement showing the engraved balance cock and diamond endstone
Back plate view of the Wm. Chester verge fusee movement showing the engraved balance cock and diamond endstone — Atlam Watches via Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Movement · Verge fusee movement
Maker / attribution
Wm Chester
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ME98 (AB-108002)
Source-reported date
c. 1830
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
3659

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

Identity and Top-Plate Markings

The item is an English full-plate pocket watch movement documented as belonging to the Georgian period (1714 to 1837) and dated to circa 1830 in the listing title. It features a gilt finish across the back plate.

The plate is engraved with the maker signature and address 'Wm Chester / 5 Shoreditch' alongside the serial designation 'No 3659' (quoted as 'Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch, 3659' in the seller description).

Evidence for this section
  • “Period Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
  • “The movement is signed “Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch, 3659”.”
  • “Gilt full-plate movement engraved with maker signature 'Wm Chester / 5 Shoreditch' and serial number 'No 3659'.”

Balance Cock and Regulator Construction

The movement includes a solid balance cock and foot decorated with foliate scroll engraving and a grotesque face motif. A diamond endstone is set in a raised blued steel setting secured to the cock by two screws.

Regulating is adjusted via an arched scale marked with calibration divisions and lettered 'Slow' and 'Fast', accompanied by a pointed blued-steel indicator hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “the gilt full plate verge fusee movement has a solid watch cock with a diamond endstone, decorated with an engraved grotesque face.”
  • “Raised blued jewel setting secured by two screws housing a diamond endstone.”
  • “Arched regulator scale calibrated with fine divisions and engraved 'Slow' and 'Fast' with an arrow indicator.”

Mechanical Features and Seller-Reported Condition

The mechanism is an English verge fusee movement. According to the seller's assessment, it has 'a good chain and a good balance – the movement will tick' and is evaluated by the dealer as 'in 90% mint' condition.

The movement measures 44 mm in width by 15 mm in depth. The outer case is not included, and the seller reports that the white enamel dial lacks hands and has major damage, though the dial is not visible in the provided back plate photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is an English verge fusee pocket watch movement”
  • “The movement has a good chain and a good balance – the movement will tick”
  • “The movement is in 90% mint”
  • “The movement measures 44mm wide x 15mm deep”
  • “Dial – the white enamel dial has no hands and has major damage”

Open research questions

  • Do 19th-century London trade directories verify Wm. Chester operating at 5 Shoreditch around circa 1830?
  • What specific type of damage (such as hairlines, flaking, or center hole chipping) is present on the damaged white enamel dial noted by the seller?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement by Wm. Chester, Shoreditch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Escapement and DriveVerge fusee“This is an English verge fusee pocket watch movement”
Maker Signature and LocationWm Chester, 5, Shoreditch“The movement is signed “Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch, 3659”.”
Serial Number3659“The movement is signed “Wm Chester, 5, Shoreditch, 3659”.”
Dimensions44mm wide x 15mm deep“The movement measures 44mm wide x 15mm deep”
Balance EndstoneDiamond endstone“the gilt full plate verge fusee movement has a solid watch cock with a diamond endstone”
Dealer Condition Rating90% mint (seller assessment)“The movement is in 90% mint”
Item CodeME98 (AB-108002)“Code ME98 (AB-108002)”
Seller Functional ClaimMovement reported to tick with good chain and balance“The movement has a good chain and a good balance – the movement will tick”

Visible details

  • Gilt full-plate movement engraved with maker signature 'Wm Chester / 5 Shoreditch' and serial number 'No 3659'.
  • Solid balance cock and flanking foot ornately engraved with dense foliate scrollwork, incorporating a grotesque mask motif.
  • Raised blued jewel setting secured by two screws housing a diamond endstone.
  • Arched regulator scale calibrated with fine divisions and engraved 'Slow' and 'Fast' with an arrow indicator.

Research qualifications

  • Consists solely of the movement; the original outer pocket watch case is absent.
  • Dealer listing notes the enamel dial is heavily damaged and lacking hands (dial side not shown in the image).

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

Consulted source

Georgian verge fusee pocket watch movement by Chester, Shoreditch 1830 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f0103418f5

Terms in this record

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

Other verge fusee movement records