English gold pair-cased repeating repoussé verge Circa 1720

Gold half-quarter repeater by Charles Clay
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A very fine English 22 carat gold pair-cased half-quarter repeating repoussé verge pocket watch, circa 1720. Full plate movement, chain and fusee, two hammers, three-arm brass balance. White enamel dial with Roman hours and Arabic five-minute numerals. The outer case with a repoussé scene on the back, engraved and chased volutes, scrollwork, four cartouches with profile portraits and an open-worked outer border, a pierced and engraved inner case, the engraved ornaments include scrollwork, flowers, fantasy birds and two cartouches with an engraved mascaron and a townscape, rear bell, movement protection cap. Movement and cuvette signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Weight: 133 g
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Signed: Charles Clay London
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Charles Clay was born in 1695 and a native of Emley near Huddersfield, Yorkshire. He applied for a patent for a repeating musical watch in February 1716, however, Daniel Quare disputed this patent and while the Attorney General made his decision in favour of Charles Clay, the Clockmakers’ company strongly supported Quare’s claim. Quare was a renowned maker and former, Master of the Company. Clay’s patent application was finally dismissed after a year. In 1720 Clay established his workshop near St. Mary – Le Strand in London and in 1723 he was appointed clockmaker to His Majesty’s Board of works. He held the position at least until 1737. Clay presumably died sometime in 1739, his will is dated January 18, 1739.