Dutch silver double cased repoussé pocket watch Circa 1750

Silver verge keywind pocket watch 
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A fine and historically significant Dutch silver double cased pocket watch, made by Andries van Schilfgaarde (1707–1795) in the mid 18th century. This watch features a keywind movement with a verge escapement, a contrate wheel, and a chain-and-fusee. The finely chased champlevé silver dial displays Roman numerals for the hours and a date window aperture at 6 o’clock. The dial is signed on the gilt brass plate, consistent with Dutch watchmaking practice of the period. The round silver case is of double cased construction. The inner case is in 800 thousandths silver. The outer decorative case is executed in repoussé with a lively city trade scene at its centre, depicting several figures including a large seated man, a woman, a child, and a dog, all set within an elaborate surround of floral, foliate, and animal motifs. The movement plates and signed gilt brass dial reflect the accomplished Dutch watchmaking tradition of the 18th century. The quality of the champlevé chasing on the dial is of a high order.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Weight: 146 g
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Signed: Andries van Schilfgaarde
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The most renowned watchmaker, Andries van Schilfgaarde, was based in Gouda, the Netherlands. He was active in the 18th century. He operated his workshop in Gouda, where he was known for making high-quality clocks and watches. Records of his timepieces mainly date from the mid-18th century. Some of his clocks were quite advanced for the period, featuring mechanisms capable of playing melodies like the Wilhelmus. The name “Van Schilfgaarde” appears frequently in Dutch historical archives, often associated with administrative or legal roles in the Betuwe region (notably towns such as Beusichem and Zoelmond) and Gelderland. However, Andries established himself as the family’s craftsman. His clocks and watches still occasionally appear at auctions or within museum collections as examples of historical Dutch craftsmanship.