Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Rundell & Bridge Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This English pocket watch, dated to approximately 1790-1795, features an enamelled gold case decorated with pearls. The watch was produced by the London firm Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, with the casemaking attributed to James Macklin. The watch features a verge escapement mechanism, a standard design for the period. The white enamel dial is set within the case and exhibits Arabic numerals. The internal movement plate bears the signature 'Rundell & Bridge, London' and the movement number 2397. The watch was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum as part of a bequest from Sir Victor Wellesley.

Full view of the pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, and the pearl-set bezel.
Full view of the pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, and the pearl-set bezel. — Victoria and Albert Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Rundell, Bridge & Rundell
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
M.66-1954
Source-reported date
1790-1795
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
2397

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 Exterior

The primary visual feature of the exterior is a border of small, uniform pearls set into the bezel, which surrounds the watch face. This pearl setting contrasts with the underlying gold material of the case structure.

The case construction is attributed to James Macklin, who acted as the casemaker for the firm. The object's total dimensions are recorded as 5.9 cm in height and 4.6 cm in width, with a depth of 2.9 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Enamelled gold case, set with pearls; mark of James Macklin”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is a verge escapement, a common arrangement for London-made watches during the 1790s. The movement is fitted with a large, decorative balance cock that is pierced and engraved with intricate patterns, which protects the balance wheel underneath.

The movement plate serves as a canvas for the signature and identifying marks. It is inscribed with 'Rundell & Bridge, London' in a script style, along with the unique serial number 'N 2397'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement with verge escapement by Rundell & Bridge, no. 2397”
  • “signed 'Rundell & Bridge, London, N 2397'”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch is documented by the Victoria and Albert Museum under the accession number M.66-1954. This specific object reached the museum collection through the legacy of Sir Victor Wellesley, who bequeathed it to the institution.

The records classify the watch as an English production from the London area. The dating of the object to 1790-1795 is provided by the institutional records, reflecting the consensus on the timeline for this specific type of movement and case configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accession number: M.66-1954”
  • “Bequeathed by Sir Victor Wellesley”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival evidence links James Macklin to this specific case construction?
  • Does the serial number 2397 align with existing trade records for Rundell & Bridge during the 1790-1795 period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rundell & Bridge Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRundell, Bridge & Rundell“Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (makers)”
CasemakerJames Macklin“Macklin, James (casemaker)”
Date1790-1795“1790-1795”
Accession NumberM.66-1954“M.66-1954”
Serial Number2397“N 2397”
MaterialsEnamelled gold and pearls“Enamelled gold case, set with pearls”
EscapementVerge“Movement with verge escapement”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals
  • Outer bezel set with a border of small pearls
  • Pierced and engraved balance cock over the balance wheel
  • Movement plate signed 'Rundell & Bridge, London'

Research qualifications

  • Casemaking attribution to James Macklin is based on historical records, not present as a signature on the object
  • Precise dating remains an approximation within the 1790-1795 window

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

Consulted source

Watch

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7820861bf5

Terms in this record

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

Other verge pocket watch records