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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Triple cased verge pocket watch

Ralph Gout Triple Cased Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pocket watch is an example of an 18th-century English timepiece specifically designed for the Turkish market. It features a rare triple-case construction, with the outermost case finished in tortoiseshell and gold piqué, decorated with applied gold studs and floral motifs. The white enamel dial is inscribed with Turkish numerals and stylised hour markers, signed by the London maker Ralph Gout. Internally, the watch utilizes a gilt full-plate movement equipped with a verge escapement. The inner gold case carries the relevant hallmarks and internal identification numbers. As a specialist in timepieces for the Ottoman market, Ralph Gout utilized these elaborate case designs to align with the preferences of his clientele. The total case diameter is 55mm, while the internal watch diameter is 35mm. The piece represents the specific aesthetic and technical requirements of export horology during this period.

The exterior view of the triple-cased watch showing the tortoiseshell and gold piqué outer case and the Turkish numeral dial.
The exterior view of the triple-cased watch showing the tortoiseshell and gold piqué outer case and the Turkish numeral dial. — PLAKAS / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Triple cased verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Ralph Gout
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
200286403
Source-reported date
Late 18th Century
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

Exterior Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a triple-case configuration, which is a hallmark of the period's luxury watchmaking for specific export markets. The outermost layer is constructed of tortoiseshell with gold piqué work, featuring decorative gold studs arranged in patterns around the perimeter.

The internal white enamel dial is fitted with Turkish numerals, replacing the standard western markers. The dial displays the signature 'Ralph Gout, London' below the hand arbor, indicating the origin of the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The outermost case of tortoiseshell and gold piqué is richly decorated with applied gold studs and floral motifs”
  • “The white enamel dial features Turkish numerals with stylised markers, signed Ralph Gout, London.”

Movement and Technical Features

It incorporates a verge escapement, the standard mechanism for this type of timepiece.

Further decoration is found on the balance cock, which is ornately pierced and engraved. The entire movement is signed by the maker, ensuring consistency with the dial's branding and identifying it as a product of Gout's London workshop.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gilt full-plate movement displays an ornately pierced and engraved balance cock, tulip pillars, and a verge escapement, also signed by the maker.”

Identification and Provenance

The watch is documented by the provided serial identification number 200286403. The inner gold case features hallmarks that serve as markers for the metallic composition and origin. These internal marks are intended to verify the case quality.

Ralph Gout is noted in the source material as a prominent maker for the Ottoman Empire.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner gold case is numbered and bears matching hallmarks.”
  • “Ralph Gout was one of the foremost London makers supplying high-quality watches to the Ottoman Empire”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific London hallmarks found on the inner gold case?
  • Does the internal movement number correspond to a known production series in the Ralph Gout records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ralph Gout Triple Cased Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRalph Gout“signed Ralph Gout, London”
Case materialTortoiseshell and gold piqué“tortoiseshell and gold piqué”
EscapementVerge“verge escapement”
Dial typeWhite enamel with Turkish numerals“white enamel dial features Turkish numerals”
Outer case decorationGold studs and floral motifs“richly decorated with applied gold studs and floral motifs”
Watch diameter35mm“watch diameter 35mm”
Case diameter55mm“case diameter 55mm”

Visible details

  • The outer case exhibits gold piqué detailing.
  • The dial features Turkish numerals.
  • The watch includes a bow and pendant for suspension.
  • The dial is signed Ralph Gout London.

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes this watch to the late 18th century as a probable classification.
  • The source acknowledges that independent type authentication of the piece remains research required.

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

Consulted source

A GOLD AND TORTOISESHELL TRIPLE CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH FOR THE TURKISH MARKET

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d359a61cce

Terms in this record

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