English 18K yellow gold repeating pocket watch Circa 1725

Gold open faced verge watch
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An English 18 carat yellow gold open faced quarter repeating pocket watch, made by Windmills, circa 1725. This watch has a repeating cock movement with verge escapement, and key winding through the back, signed Windmills London and numbered on the movement back. The white enamelled dial displays Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numerals at five minute intervals, a chemin de fer minute track, an off centre winding square between 1 and 2 o’clock, and stylised hands. The round, solid gold case features an intricately pierced and engraved foliate band, a smooth inner bezel, and a matching gold winding key attached to the bow.
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Diameter: 42 mm
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Weight: 141.8 g
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Signed: Windmills London
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Windmills London represents a renowned English clock and watchmaker business run by Joseph and Thomas Windmills, father and son.
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Joseph (c. 1640–1724) established his workshop in London around 1671, earning the highest industry honour as Master of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1718. His son Thomas (c. 1672- 1737) apprenticed under him, became Master in 1718, and ran the workshop until his death. Around 1700, they formed an official partnership, signing their finest work, ‘ Windmills of London’.
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Known for complex mechanisms, including early repeating movements, they produced 18th century pieces that are highly valued and held in prestigious museums like the British Museum and The Met.