English gold striking clock watch for the Islamic market Circa 1795

Gold and shagreen verge watch by Daniel de St. Leu
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Very fine, rare and large English 18 carat gold and shagreen pair cased quarter striking verge clock watch made for the Islamic market, circa 1795. Gilt brass full plate movement with ringed cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three armed brass balance, gilt brass single footed balance cock pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage, silver regulation dial with Isalmic numerals, striking on a bell in the back of the case, strike-silent selection lever on the bezel. Gilt brass dust cap. White enamel dial with Islamic numerals, outer dot minute divisions and Islamic five minute numerals, original gold beetle and poker hands. Gilt metal, shagreen covered outer case, scallopped edged, the back with four gilt foliate demi lune sound frets, the bezel decorated to match, inner case with master mark IE, the band finely engraved and pierced with foliage, polished bezel. Dial, dust cap and back plate signed, case numbered.
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Diameter: 66 mm
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Signed: De St. Leu Watchmaker to Her Majesty London
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This watch is a particularly fine example of an English clockwatch of the late 18th century made for export to the East. The outer case which is covered in green shagreen (ray skin) is much rarer than the usual tortoiseshell covering.
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Daniel de St. Leu, active 1753-1797, was of Genevan origin, he worked in Geneva and London. Made watchmaker to the Queen in 1765, Saint Leu was renowned for very fine enameled and vari-coloured gold clockwatches set with diamonds and precious stones and for repeating watches for the Turkish and Islamic markets. He also made a magnificent silver mounted clock for the Court of Spain. Although De Saint Leu himself was only active until about 1797, the company continued to make watches under his name for roughly another 15 years.