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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Double-case verge pocket watch

Ja's Swingler Grantham Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is a double-case verge pocket watch signed by Ja's Swingler Grantham. Manufactured in sterling silver and dated to 1811 by its London hallmark, the piece features a heavy construction, weighing approximately 568g alone and 703g with its accompanying silver chain. The watch is housed in a smooth, polished silver case with a prominent outer hinge. It includes an enamel dial marked with Arabic numerals and fitted with original gold hands. The gold-plated movement operates with a chain and fusee mechanism, incorporating a pierced and engraved balance cock and a diamond endstone. The object is presented as an item from a private collector and is reported by the auction description to require an overhaul.

Front view of the verge pocket watch showing the enamel dial, gold hands, and the heavy silver chain.
Front view of the verge pocket watch showing the enamel dial, gold hands, and the heavy silver chain. — Henry's Auktionshaus (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Double-case verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Ja's Swingler Grantham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3235
Source-reported date
1811
Source-reported place
United Kingdom

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

Case and Dial Construction

The watch is housed in a substantial sterling silver double-case construction. The exterior of the casing is smooth, finished to a polished appearance. A key feature of the outer housing is the inclusion of a large, prominent outer hinge, which facilitates access to the watch interior while providing extra protection for the inner movement assembly.

The dial is composed of enamel, featuring Arabic numerals. The time is indicated by original gold hands, which provide a contrast to the white surface of the enamel dial. The overall heavy gauge of the silver components is noted in the weight documentation, totaling 703g when the heavy silver chain is attached.

Evidence for this section
  • “smooth case, outer case with big outer-hinge”
  • “enamel dial, Arabic numerals”
  • “fine original gold hands”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is a gold-plated verge movement, which relies on a traditional chain and fusee system for power transmission.

Detailed finishing is present on the balance cock, which is both pierced and engraved. Further horological detail includes a diamond endstone, which is set as a bearing for the balance staff. The auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul to function correctly.

Evidence for this section
  • “gold plated movement with chain and fusee”
  • “pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond-endstone”
  • “overhaul recommended at buyer's expense”

Origin and Condition

The piece originates from the United Kingdom, confirmed by the London hallmarks dated to 1811. The object is recorded as having been held in a private collection prior to its appearance at auction.

The condition is described by the auction house using the internal reference 'condition 2'. While the watch remains physically intact, the suggestion of an overhaul indicates that the mechanical condition may not be currently reliable.

Evidence for this section
  • “London hallmark 1811”
  • “property of a collector”
  • “condition 2”

Open research questions

  • Was 'Ja's Swingler Grantham' a specific silversmith, retailer, or horologist?
  • What is the specific significance of the extreme weight of this particular verge watch relative to standard contemporary examples?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ja's Swingler Grantham Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJa's Swingler Grantham“JA'S SWINGLER GRANTHAM”
MaterialSterling silver“sterling silver”
HallmarkLondon 1811“London hallmark 1811”
MovementGold plated, chain and fusee with diamond endstone“gold plated movement with chain and fusee, pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond-endstone”
WeightApproximately 568g without chain, 703g with chain“weight without chain approx. 568g, with chain approx. 703g”
DialEnamel with Arabic numerals“enamel dial, Arabic numerals”
CaseSmooth, double-case with outer hinge“smooth case, outer case with big outer-hinge”

Visible details

  • Heavy sterling silver double-case construction
  • Enamel dial with Arabic numerals and gold hands
  • Prominent outer-hinge mechanism on the secondary case
  • Includes a heavy sterling silver chain

Research qualifications

  • The source notes an overhaul is recommended, suggesting internal wear or mechanical stoppage
  • Specific mechanical functionality is unverified beyond the description of parts

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

Consulted source

JA'S SWINGLER GRANTHAM extreme heavy verge watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record dfd98fbaff

Terms in this record

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