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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge fusee open face pocket watch

Thomas Gilbert George III silver verge fusee pocket watch

Partially verified

This George III verge fusee pocket watch attributed to Thomas Gilbert of Hythe features a silver case hallmarked for London in 1789 with maker's mark W B. According to the source, the movement backplate is signed and numbered 65649 and includes slow/fast regulation. The piece retains an inner silver case measuring 5 cm in diameter, while the outer pair case is recorded as missing. The white enamel dial measures 4.5 cm across and features black Roman numerals with minute track divisions. The watch weighs 97 g gross.

Front view of the George III silver verge fusee pocket watch by Thomas Gilbert showing the white enamel Roman dial
Front view of the George III silver verge fusee pocket watch by Thomas Gilbert showing the white enamel Roman dial — Rushbrooks Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
auctionet.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge fusee open face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Thomas Gilbert
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1949201
Source-reported date
1789
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
65649

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 External Configuration

This George III era pocket watch features a silver case measuring 5 cm in diameter. The source notes that the piece currently lacks an outer pair case.

The silver case bears hallmarks for London dated to 1789 and a maker's mark recorded as 'W B'. The condition is described by the source as very dented and worn.

Evidence for this section
  • “hallmarked for London 1789, maker's mark W B”
  • “the case 5cm diameter”
  • “lacks outer case”
  • “case very dented and worn”

Dial and Appointments

The watch features a white enamel dial measuring 4.5 cm across, decorated with Roman numerals. The dial surface exhibits hairline cracks.

The hands currently fitted to the timepiece are identified as replacements.

Evidence for this section
  • “the 4.5cm white enamel dial with Roman numerals”
  • “dial with hairline cracks and hands replaced”

Movement and Technical Status

The movement backplate is signed and numbered 65649. Included in the movement is a slow/fast regulation feature.

The watch is reported as untested as the key is missing.

Evidence for this section
  • “signed and numbered 65649 on the backplate, with slow/fast regulation”
  • “Lacks key so not known if it is working”

Open research questions

  • Verification of maker's mark 'W B' registered in London in 1789.
  • Documentation regarding the significance of the movement number 65649 in relation to Thomas Gilbert of Hythe.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Gilbert George III silver verge fusee pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
HallmarksLondon 1789“hallmarked for London 1789”
Maker's MarkW B“maker's mark W B”
Dial Diameter4.5 cm“the 4.5cm white enamel dial with Roman numerals”
Movement Numbering65649“signed and numbered 65649 on the backplate”
Case Diameter5 cm“the case 5cm diameter”
Gross Weight97 g“97g gross”
Gross Weight97 g“97g gross”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals and an outer track
  • Two central hands of differing metal and profile
  • Silver pocket watch case fitted with a rounded bow and pendant at 12 o'clock
  • Hairline crack visible across the lower dial surface
  • Absence of an outer pair case around the exposed inner case

Research qualifications

  • The auction house notes that the outer pair case is missing, hands are replaced, the dial has hairline cracks, and the movement is untested due to the lack of a key
  • Movement signature, backplate number 65649, and London silver hallmarks are not visible in the primary photograph

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

Consulted source

THOMAS GILBERT, HYTHE. A GEORGE III SILVER PAIR CASED VERGE FUSEE OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH. Clocks & Watches - Pocket & Stop Watches - Auctionet

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 0e1c18fb5d

Terms in this record

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