English 18 carat gold Arnold type chronometer Circa 1813

A top quality chronometer in heavy gold case
–
An excellently preserved John Arnold type chronometer, made by David Morice on Fenchurch Street, London, England, circa 1813. This watch features an 18 carat gold case which can be opened on both sides, London Hallmarks 1813 and a case punch FC over HB from the master watchcase makers Frederick Comtesse & Henri (Henry) Bruton, who worked as partners or closely shared workshop resources in London during the early 1810’s.
The perfectly preserved original enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Roman hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, gold time hands and a metal seconds hand. The numbered movement is equipped with a top quality John Arnold type chronometer escapement, a chronometer balance wheel with platinum screws and a diamond end stone.
The dome, dial and movement are signed.
–
Diameter: 56 mm
–
Weight: 165 g
–
Signed: David Morice Londont)
–
Morice
David Morice, sometimes working as David & William Morice, was an active London pocket watchmaker. The workshop was located on Fenchurch Street, London.
David Morice established the family’s horological legacy at the turn of the 19^th century. He became a recognised master watchmaker, starting his recorded independent work in London around 1800.
William Morice, his son and successor, was trained directly by his father under the traditional English guild apprentice system. He formally joined the business, creating the joint lineage mark D. & W. Morice.

The Morice lineage, as an active London horological firm, ultimately concluded around 1832, a time when many independent late Georgian master workshops either retired or were absorbed by larger Victorian era merchant firms.