English gold excellently preserved chronometer Circa 1813

Gold John Arnold type chronometer
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A rare and excellently preserved John Arnold type chronometer made by David Morice in London, England, circa 1813. The case of this watch, which was crafted from 18 carat gold, can be opened on both sides, has London Hallmarks for 1813 and is punched FC PHB. The white enamel dial features Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and gold spade hands. The numbered, top quality movement is fitted with a chronometer escapement according to John Arnold, a chronometer balance wheel with platinum screws and a diamond end stone.
The dial, cuette and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Weight: 165 g
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Signed: David Morice London
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Morice
David Morice, sometimes working as David & William Morice, was an active London pocket watchmaker from approximately 1800 to 1832. His workshop was located on Fenchurch Street. The British Museum also records a watch made by David Morice as being from Cornhill, London.

Both Morice and his case maker, Thomas Walker II, were at least second generation craftsmen, suggesting they inherited their workshops and continued a family tradition in the trade. They produced high quality watches, including rare pieces with complex mechanisms such as the spring detent escapement and the Massey type lever escapement. Their watches are considered rare historic pieces, valued for both their integrity and the advanced mechanisms used at the time.