English 18 carat gold and enamel verge watch with strike on bell Circa 1800

Important museum quality gold and enamel watch
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A important and museum quality gold and enamel verge watch with strike on bell, made by Higgs & Evans in London, England, circa 1800. The open faced pair case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold and enamel in the typical Higgs & Evans style with applied pearls and an oval cartouche with magnifying glass painting, representating  Angelique and Medor, two figures from the 16^th century work ‘Orlando Furioso’ by the Italian author Ludovico Ariosto. The inner case is magnificently engraved, pierced and fitted with a bell for the striking mechanism.
The white enamel dial features an outer ring of Arabic 5 minute numerals, Roman hour numerals and gold hands. The numbered movement is protected by the numbered cuvette, the very fine verge escapement with half quarter repeater is matching signed and numbered and of the finest quality with diamond end stone
The cuvette and movement have matching numbers and dial, cuvette and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Weight: 119 g
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Signed: Higgs & Evans, Londres
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Higgs & Evans
Higgs and Evans were highly respected watchmakers who made longcase and table clocks as well as small watches. They first worked in Sweetings Alley and later in the Royal Exchange in London, England. The company was founded in 1775 and existed until 1825. Higgs and Evans specialised in making watches for the Spanish market.