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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge fusee pair case pocket watch

W. Charleson of London Verge Fusee Pair Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

Dating to circa 1760 according to the source, this English pocket watch is constructed with a gilt brass repoussé pair case. The seller reports that the innermost case encloses a key-wound verge fusee movement decorated with lavish engravings, a face motif on the balance bridge, and the signature 'W Charleson London 1767'. The white enamel dial presents Roman numerals for the hours alongside an outer Arabic track indicating five-minute intervals, protected beneath a bull's eye crystal.

Dial view of the W. Charleson verge fusee pocket watch in its gilt brass pair case
Dial view of the W. Charleson verge fusee pocket watch in its gilt brass pair case — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge fusee pair case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
W. Charleson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SSHO 77A
Source-reported date
circa 1760
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
1767

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

Construction and Case Design

This timepiece is configured as a pair case, consisting of two brass cases, one fitted inside the other. The outermost case is constructed of gilt brass and features repoussé work described as a neoclassical scene depicting three figures.

The bezel includes scrollwork and foliage motifs. A suspension loop and pendant are located at the 12 o'clock position, and a case hinge is visible on the left side of the assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece resides within a pair of brass cases, one fitted inside the other.”
  • “The outermost case is gilt brass repoussé, and delicately depicts a neoclassical scene with three distinct figures.”
  • “Bezel decorated with relief scrollwork and foliage motifs in gold-toned gilt metal.”
  • “Prominent case hinge visible on the left side of the watch.”

Dial Observations

The watch is fitted with an enamel dial displaying Roman numerals. Fine hairline cracks are noted across the central and lower portions of the dial surface.

The dial is covered by a crystal described by the seller as a bull's eye crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original enamel dial displays the time on elegant Roman numeral markers.”
  • “Fine hairline cracks present across the central and lower portions of the enamel dial.”
  • “Original Bull’s Eye Crystal”

Mechanism and Provenance

The movement is a key-wound verge fusee mechanism. According to the seller, the movement is decorated with engravings, including a face motif on the balance bridge, and carries the signature 'W Charleson London 1767'.

The source dates the item to circa 1760.

Evidence for this section
  • “The innermost case houses a verge fusée movement.”
  • “Lavish engravings adorn the mechanism. The image of a mischievous face even makes an appearance on the watch’s balance bridge, as well as the signature “W Charleson London 1767.””
  • “Circa 1760”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical basis for the dating of 'circa 1760' given the movement signature '1767'?
  • Does the 'full restoration' claimed by the seller involve original component replacement or modern fabrication?
  • Is there verified documentation identifying W. Charleson of London as a distinct horological entity from this period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for W. Charleson of London Verge Fusee Pair Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureW Charleson London 1767“as well as the signature “W Charleson London 1767.””
Movement MechanismVerge fusée“The innermost case houses a verge fusée movement.”
Case TypeGilt brass repoussé pair case“The outermost case is gilt brass repoussé, and delicately depicts a neoclassical scene with three distinct figures.”
SKUSSHO 77A“SKU: SSHO 77A”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with black Roman numerals for the hours and an outer track with Arabic numerals for five-minute marks.
  • Bezel decorated with relief scrollwork and foliage motifs in gold-toned gilt metal.
  • Suspension loop and pendant situated at the 12 o'clock position.
  • Prominent case hinge visible on the left side of the watch.
  • Fine hairline cracks present across the central and lower portions of the enamel dial.

Research qualifications

  • Movement details, signature, and outer case repoussé scene are seller-reported and not visible in the provided front dial photograph.
  • Claims of originality regarding the crystal and dial reflect seller descriptions.

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

Consulted source

English 18th Century Pair Case Verge Fusée Pocket Watch by Charleson of London - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 8a86681ae7

Terms in this record

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