English Consular Case Verge Fusée Pocket Watch by Windmills of London
This extraordinary pocket watch dates to 1710 and was made by legendary English watch and clock makers Joseph and Thomas Windmills of London. Expertly hand-crafted throughout, beginning with the sterling silver consular case. The consular case opens from the front to access the movement versus the back, and houses a gilt verge fusée movement with Egyptian pillars. The movement is powered by key winding and features a false pendulum that moves with the mechanism. Decorative hand engraving embellishes the movement. The ornate back plate is signed and numbered 2273, and depicts scrolling foliates, birds, and a bearded face. The fusée was the earliest mechanism successfully applied to clock and watchmaking to achieve more accurate timekeeping.
A beautifully engraved silver dial with Roman hour numerals, outer Arabic minute numerals, and scrolling foliate decoration displays the time. A small open crescent reveals the false pendulum; the Windmills signature is below.
The key wound movement of this fascinating pocket watch bears a full restoration and a one-month warranty.
The skill, mechanical prowess, and artistry of the early horological pioneers and their timepieces such as this one are remarkable. Hailed as one of London’s finest watch and clockmakers, the Windmills were regarded as leading figures for horological advancement and control in London. A variety of their timepieces can be found in museums internationally.
Circa 1710
Original Price: $10,500