English gilt and shagreen leather pair cased watch Circa 1760

Gilt pair cased key winding verge watch
–
A fine English gilt pair cased verge pocket watch made by Henry Hun in London, circa 1760. It features a mechanical key winding fire gilt brass movement with a chain and fusee verge escapement, a silvered, intricately pierced and engraved balance cock, and a finely decorated regulation disc signed Henry Hun, London. The white enamel dial shows black Roman numerals for the hours, outer Arabic minute markers from 5 to 60, and ornate gilt hands. The timepiece is housed in a smooth round three body gilt open faced case with typical wear and minor dents. It is fitted with a later added protective outer case lined with green leather. The classic pair case construction adds protection. The watch has a sturdy, round suspension bow and a classic winding aperture on the smooth, gilt inner case back.
–
Diameter: 54 mm
–
Signed: Henry Hun, London
–
Henry Hun was a skilled English watchmaker active in London during the mid 18th century, when British horology set the global standard for luxury and technical innovation. Working within London’s competitive clockmaking trade, his workshop specialized in high grade mechanical pocket watches using the traditional verge fusee escapement. Hun’s work is distinguished by intricate chain and fusee systems designed to equalize mainspring torque, combined with artistic finishing, including meticulously hand engraved and pierced silvered balance cocks. His timepieces represent the classic 18th century London style and often use protective leather covered outer pair cases to safeguard the delicate inner gilt finish from daily wear. His surviving works are highly collectable examples of Georgian watchmaking.