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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch

W. Bluck Gilt Pair Cased Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique English pair cased pocket watch is attributed by the source to London watchmaker W. Bluck and dated to 1796 based on inner case hallmarks. Measuring 58.5 mm across its silver-gilt and gilt brass pair cases, the timepiece features a white enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals, minute markers, and gold arrowhead hands. According to the source, the interior houses a gilt fusee verge escapement movement numbered 2022, appointed with four round baluster pillars, an intricately pierced and engraved balance cock, blued screws, a large silver regulator disk, and an engraved removable gilt dustcap.

Dial and gilt case view of the pair cased pocket watch
Dial and gilt case view of the pair cased pocket watch — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
W. Bluck
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1796
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
2022

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 Construction

The timepiece features a pair-case configuration measuring 58.5 mm, consisting of silver-gilt and gilt brass cases. The inner case contains London hallmarks for 1796 and a maker's mark recorded as 'I?I'.

The inner case hinge is described as functional despite showing signs of an old repair, and the bezel closes with a slight gap. The outer case includes a maker's mark on the inside center of the back, and the catch button features a dent.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silver and gilt pair cases, 58.5 mm”
  • “The inner case, made of silver gilt with London hallmarks for 1796 and maker's mark I?I”
  • “The hinge, while functional, shows signs of an old repair. Despite this, the bezel snaps shut, though there is a slight gap on one side”
  • “the catch button does have a dent”
  • “The watch is housed in an attractive gilt outer case, featuring a maker's mark on the inside center of the back.”

Dial and Exterior

The watch is fitted with a white enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals and a minute track, protected by a crystal with light scratches. Gold arrowhead hands are present on the dial.

The outer case exhibits mild wear to the gilding at the center of the back, though the hinge and catch are reported to operate correctly.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece is complemented by a fine white enamel dial”
  • “It showcases matching gold 'arrowhead' hands”
  • “The crystal exhibits a few light scratches”
  • “Overall, the outer case is in good condition, with some mild wear to the gilding at the center of the back.”

Movement Mechanism

The watch is powered by a gilt fusee verge escapement movement, numbered 2022. Structural components include four round baluster pillars, a large silver regulator disk, and a pierced and engraved balance cock secured with blued screws.

Internal components are protected by an engraved removable gilt dustcap. Operational status is based on seller reports.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch features a high-quality gilt fusee movement with a verge escapement, intricately pierced and engraved balance cock, clean blued screws, four round baluster pillars, and a large silver regulator disk.”
  • “The movement, numbered 2022, is running well and in excellent condition.”
  • “the movement is safeguarded by a beautifully engraved removable gilt dustcap.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'I?I' maker's mark in the context of 1796 London hallmarked silver-gilt cases?
  • Does the reported partnership history of W. Bluck (partnered with James Young until 1779) corroborate the timeline of the movement numbered 2022?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for W. Bluck Gilt Pair Cased Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CreatorW. Bluck“Creator: W. Bluck”
Place of OriginLondon“Place of Origin: London”
Date of Manufacture1796“Date of Manufacture: 1796”
Case Diameter58.5 mm“Silver and gilt pair cases, 58.5 mm”
EscapementVerge escapement“Verge escapement”
Movement Number2022“The movement, numbered 2022, is running well and in excellent condition.”
Inner Case HallmarksLondon hallmarks for 1796 and maker's mark I?I“The inner case, made of silver gilt with London hallmarks for 1796 and maker's mark I?I”
MakerW. Bluck“Creator: W. Bluck”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Arabic numerals and minute track
  • Pair of gilt arrowhead hands positioned near 11 and 2
  • Smooth polished gilt bezel and outer case with spherical pendant and round top bow
  • Convex glass or crystal covering the dial

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, dustcap, and inner case hallmarks are described by the source but are not visible in the front dial view.
  • Maker attribution and 1796 dating rely on source-reported hallmarks and inscriptions rather than independent physical verification.

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

Consulted source

Gilt Pair Cased Pocket Watch - 1796 » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record cc0df378c2

Terms in this record

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

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