English gilded petite sonnerie self striking verge Circa 1730

Gilt verge watch with self strike
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A rare English gilded open faced petite sonnerie hour strike verge pocket watch, circa 1730. Full plate movement, chain and fusee, a florally engraved barrel, one hammer and a three arm steel balance. Gilded champlevé dial with Roman hours, an outer minute track, Arabic five minute numerals and spade hands. The edge of the case back and bezel are pierced with sound openings, the remains of an engraved historical aristocratic coat of arms on the back, a bottom bell for the self strike. Dial numbered and with maker’s mark RN, dust cap and movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Weight: 184 g
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Signed: Robt Newman London
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This highly skilled watchmaker, Robert Newman, is not mentioned in any known watchmaking literature.