Early English verge pendant watch with alarm Circa 1640-1650

One-handed silver gilt oval watch by Edward East
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An English silver gilt one-handed Renaissance pre-balance spring pendant watch with alarm, made by one of the most important early English watchmakers, circa 1640-1650.
Gilt finished verge movement, chain fusée, finely chased, engraved and pierced floral decorated balance cock and foot, steel two armed pre hairspring balance wheel. Gilt engraved dial with Roman radial hours, silver engraved centre, Arabic numerals for the alarm time, and single blued steel hand. Engraved and a pierced gilt case. Movement signed.
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Dimensions: 51 x 41 x 22 mm
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Signed: Eduardus East Londini
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Edward East was one of the most important early English makers. He was born in 1602 in Southill in Bedfordshire and started his apprenticeship with Richard Rogers in 1618. He worked in Pall Mall during the 1620s and was made one of the first Assistants of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1632; he became a Master in 1653. In 1660 he succeeded David Ramsay as maker of the court of King Charles II. East donated 100 pounds to the Clockmakers’ Company in October 1692 to support the poorer members of the Company. He died in 1697 at the considerable age of 92.