English single handed Louis XIV oignon watch Circa 1710

Gilt brass oignon watch by Joyce
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A fine and very rare English gilt brass single handed Louis XIV oignon watch, wound through the centre, circa 1710. Frosted gilt full plate movement, winding from the front only divided Egyptian pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three armed steel balance, pierced and chased cock decorated with inhabited foliage and strapwork, Tompion type regulator. White enamel dial with raised cartouches with radial black painted Roman numerals, inner white enamel quarter hour ring and original blued steel fleur-de-lys hand. The case back chased and engraved with a scene of a three cherubs dancing beneath a canopy, foliate strapwork border and bezel, square hinge, loose ring pendant. Movement signed.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Joyce London
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This watch is highly unusual amongst oignon watches in that it has a London signature. The case, dial and movement are typically French, however the wheelwork is English in construction. It is suggested that this watch was perhaps finished and sold in London. Other French watches in various styles have also been signed Joyce and have this peculiarly English wheelwork suggesting that Joyce (probably George Joyce, CC. 1692) was importing unfinished French watches into London and them completing them in his own workshop.