There is something truly wonderful to hold an antique pocket watch in the palm of your hand that is not only 250 years old, but still working such as this one here.
This is what is called a pair cased fusee pocket watch with the inner pocket watch protected by the gorgeous sterling silver repoussé case. This outer case was to protect the inner pocket watch from dust and other debris, and measures 47mm and has such an incredible tactile feel to the touch. With such detail on the back as well as around the edge, this alone is amazing to consider that it was made all those years ago.
Then open this outer case at the side allows the pocket watch itself to come out. Measuring 41.7mm across by 59.8mm from the bottom to the top of the bow, this enamel dial is still as easy to read today as when it was made. With Roman numerals and those gorgeous hands, this has all the charm and characteristics of a beautiful Georgian era pocket watch.
Then opening it up inside reveals a truly wonderful fusee verge movement that has been serviced and overhauled, and keeps surprisingly good time especially considering its age.
With stylish square pillars and a pierced balance cock, to consider that all of this was made by hand with no modern tools such as we have today is simply astounding.
Made by John Cole who also made grandfather clocks, this is a beautiful example of what could be produced all those years ago, and still function exactly as was intended 250 years later.
Stock# W1742cc
Maker: John Cole
Circa: 1770
$Sold.
Out of stock
Antique pair cased pocket watch by John Cole made in the 1770's
A pair cased pocket watch is one that has an outer case to protect the smaller inner case that houses the pocket watch itself. Found in antique pocket watches of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the reason behind having two cases was to protect the inner case from dust and other foreign bodies that may make their way into the movement of the pocket watch.
Quite often these outer cases were works of art in themselves with beautiful repoussé designs that are astonishing to admire.
The verge escapement (also known as a crown wheel) is the earliest known type of mechanical escapement found in clocks and pocket watches. At the heart of it, it is the mechanism that controls its rate by allowing the gear train to advance at regular intervals or 'ticks'.
Click here to see a small selection of more antique pocket watches that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/watches/pocket-watches-watches/
