Rare English 22K gold repousse pair-cased pocket watch Circa 1740

Gold verge with shagreen protecting case
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A very rare English 22K gold pair-cased pocket watch, circa 1740. With unusual two-layer repousse work and outer gilt-brass and shagreen protecting case. Outer case: Repoussé decorated with a scene of Rebecca covering herself with a veil before Isaac after the engraving by G. van der Gouwen after G. Hoet Rebecca lights off the camel & covers herself with a vail of 1728, the high relief repousse pierced and a further repousse gold plate secured behind to create depth of background, rococo scroll border, flower and asymmetric scroll decorated bezel. Inner case: polished, master mark probably JC. D.
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White enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, outer arcaded minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals and pierced gilt hands. A hinged, gilt full-plate movement with square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance with flat balance spring, pierced and engraved two-footed cock, silver regulation dial. Movement signed inner case with indistinct London hallmarks.
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Diameter: 46 mm
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Signed: Jno. Anderson  London
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This watch exhibits the rare type of repousse work whereby the scene in high relief is partially pierced and a further repousse gold plate is mounted behind to give the impression of extra depth to the scene. The scene represents Rebecca covering herself with a veil before Isaac. Abraham sent his servant Eliezer to look for a bride for his son Isaac, praying for guidance, he asked that whoever gave him and his camels water at the well would be an eligible woman. This proved to be Rebecca, Eliezer then took her back to Canaan where Isaac saw the camels approaching. When Rebecca learned who he was, she alighted and covered her face with a veil. Isaac took her to his mother’s tent and she became his wife. This scene was engraved by G. van der Gouwen in 1728 after a painting by G. Hoet, this engraving is now in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.