Important English gold repeating clock watch Circa 1800

Gold clock watch made for the Ottoman market by George Prior
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An important and large English 18 carat gold open faced hour repeating clock watch with grande and petite sonnerie made for the Ottoman market, circa 1800. Technically highly complicated movement, quarter-hour self strike or optional hour strike, additional hour repeater by pushing the button in the pendant. Cuvette missing. White enamel dial with Ottoman numerals and probably original hands. The protection case is covered with stingray skin, and a curved rim with florally decorated sound openings; the inner case is also florally engraved and with tiny pierced sound openings in the form of leaves in the floral tendrils, bezel with an inscription for grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie and muting, bell, two windings for movement and self striking.
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Diameter: 65 mm
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Weight: 118 g
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Signed: George Prior London
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George Prior was one of the most important manufacturers of pocket watches for the Ottoman market. This version in 18 carat gold with the technically extremely rare complication of grande sonnerie, petite sonnerie and repeater is an exceptional quality timepiece. The ’round’ number 16000 speaks for the rarity of this watch, which is often found on watches that were made for a special order/customer.