English clock watch made for the Turkish market Circa 1785

Gold, enamel and pearl set pair cased clock watch by George Prior
–
An English 18 carat gold, enamel and Orient pearl set pair cased clock watch made for the Turkish market, circa 1785. Elaborately worked outer case, sound openings, both sides set with pearls, both sides multi coloured enamelled, enamel painting to the back and set with large Orient pearls, pierced and engraved inner case. Bell, highly complicated verge movement, half hour self striking with muting and hour repeating by pressing the small button in the pendant. White enamel dial with Turkish numerals, unique gold hands with pearls. Movement and cuvette signed and numbered, dial signed. Comes with original box and pearl set key.
–
Diameter: 59 mm
–
Weight: 165 g
–
Signed: George Prior London
–
A watch like this version and size is a museum rarity. This is the earliest known gold and enamel clock watch by George Prior. Most of the gold and enamel watches for the Ottoman market were relatively small with sizes between 35 mm and 50 mm in diameter. Already the repeater is a special feature of these precious watches. Only a few of these watches have an additional self striking mechanism like here.
–
George Prior was the son of the watchmaker John Prior from Nessfield and one of the most famous London manufacturers for the Turkish and Islamic market. He worked with Edward Prior (probably a brother) and was twice honoured by the Royal Society of Arts for his works.