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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Skeletonised verge fusee pocket watch

Skeletonised verge fusee pocket watch c1770

Partially verified

This antique open-face verge fusee pocket watch is dated circa 1770 and attributed to Wm Retlaw in London. Housed in a gilt case with engine turning, it features a skeletonised movement displaying pierced, engraved plates, square baluster pillars, and visible gearing. A domed crystal on the back reveals the movement, while the dial side is described as having a bulls-eye glass and a white enamel dial with gilt pierced hands. The piece measures 45 mm in diameter by 25 mm in depth and operates by key winding and setting.

Movement view through the domed glass back showing the skeletonised, engraved gilt plates, regulator, and balance assembly
Movement view through the domed glass back showing the skeletonised, engraved gilt plates, regulator, and balance assembly — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Skeletonised verge fusee pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Wm Retlaw
Reference
4.329 (AB-213061)
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm213061
Source-reported date
c1770
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2219

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 Attributed Dating

The pocket watch is catalogued by dealer Atlam Watches as having been made circa 1770 in London, placed within the 18th Century Georgian period (1714 to 1837) under item code 4.329 (AB-213061). The movement is engraved with the signature and number 'Wm Retlaw, London 2219'.

As noted in cataloguing cautions, the name 'Retlaw' is 'Walter' spelled backwards, suggesting a potential alias, pseudonym, or fictitious trade marking. Beyond the movement engraving and dealer description, independent maker records, guild entries, or hallmarking details are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “This pocket watch was made circa London 1770”
  • “The movement is signed “Wm Retlaw, London 2219”
  • “Period 18th Century, Georgian (1714 to 1837)”
  • “Code 4.329 (AB-213061)”

Case Construction and Observations

The movement is mounted in an open-face gilt case measuring 45 mm in width by 25 mm in depth. The case is fitted with a hinged bezel, and the movement swings out from the front for winding and hand setting from the dial side.

Physical observation and dealer notes record engine-turned decoration along the case rim and band. The front is fitted with a bulls-eye glass, while the back features a domed clear glass. The seller notes that the pendant bow is fixed at a right angle relative to the case plane, which aligns with visual observations of the perpendicular bow orientation.

Evidence for this section
  • “the movement comes in a gilt open face case, with a hinged bezel.”
  • “The watch is wound and set from the dial and swings out from the front.”
  • “The case has a domed glass on the back and a bulls eye glass on the front.”
  • “The case is decorated with engine turning”
  • “The watch measures 45mm wide x 25mm deep”
  • “please note that the bow is fixed at a right angle to the case.”

Movement Architecture and Dial Specifications

The watch houses a fusee movement with a verge escapement and square baluster pillars. The plates have been cut, pierced, and engraved to skeletonise the movement and expose the mainspring, chain, and gear train. Visible through the clear rear glass are pierced scrollwork plates and a circular silvered regulator disc.

The dial is described in the dealer listing as white enamel fitted with an original pair of gilt pierced hands, and the watch is key-wound and key-set, accompanied by an old key. However, the front dial side is not pictured in the provided movement-side photograph, so its visual state and numerals cannot be independently verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “The fusee movement has a verge escapement with square baluster pillars.”
  • “The movement and has been cut, pierced and engraved to reveal the spring, chain and gears.”
  • “Dial – the white enamel dial has its original pair of gilt pierced hands.”
  • “The watch is key wound / key set and comes with an old key”

Open research questions

  • Does 'Wm Retlaw' correspond to a recorded London watchmaker using a reverse pseudonym (such as William Walter), or was it an export/fictitious trade signature?
  • Was the skeletonisation executed contemporary with the movement's manufacture in the late 18th century, or is it a later modification?
  • What chapter ring format, numeral style, and signatures (if any) are present on the white enamel dial not shown in the available movement photographs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Skeletonised verge fusee pocket watch c1770
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker's signatureWm Retlaw, London 2219“The movement is signed “Wm Retlaw, London 2219”
Escapement typeVerge escapement with square baluster pillars“The fusee movement has a verge escapement with square baluster pillars.”
Dimensions45mm wide x 25mm deep“The watch measures 45mm wide x 25mm deep”
Movement modificationCut, pierced, and engraved skeletonised movement“The movement and has been cut, pierced and engraved to reveal the spring, chain and gears.”
Case designGilt open face case with hinged bezel and domed rear glass“the movement comes in a gilt open face case, with a hinged bezel.”
Servicing and chain warranty statusDealer notes the watch has been cleaned and serviced and keeps good time for its age, but excludes warranty on fusee chain breakage due to fragility“This pocket watch has been cleaned and serviced and is keeping good time for its age however please note, due to the fragility of the fusee chain not warranty is given on the chain breaking.”

Visible details

  • Open-face gilt case with patterned engine-turned texture along the rim and band
  • Domed clear back crystal revealing elaborate pierced scrollwork and a circular silvered regulator disc
  • Pendant neck positioned at twelve o'clock with the suspension bow set perpendicular to the case plane

Research qualifications

  • The enamel dial described in the text is not visible in the provided movement-side photographs.
  • Maker name Wm Retlaw appears to be a reversal of 'Walter' and may be an alias or trade pseudonym, though catalogued as Wm Retlaw.

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

Consulted source

Unusual SKELETONISED verge fusee pocket watch c1770 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 126e23ccfe

Terms in this record

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