English gilt maltese cross form verge with calendar Circa 1780

Gilt metal maltese cross form verge watch 
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A gilt metal maltese cross form verge watch with calendar, night and day indication and moon-phases, circa 1780, verge movement, pierced and engraved balance bridge • three white enamel dial for time indication, date and month combined with signs of the zodiac, two further dials to indicate the position of the sun, the length of the day and moon-phases. Maltese cross form case with vari coloured gold decoration, the reverse with applied varicolour gold trophy.
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Diameter: (Width) 59.5 mm
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Signed: No name
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The Maltese Cross, is most commonly known as a religious symbol identifying the Christian Warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta, through them it came to be identified with the island of Malta, now used as a National symbol. The Knights Hospitaller were founded in Jerusalem as a group in 1050  to provide care for poor and sick pilgrims to the Holy Land. After the First Crusade, it became a military order under its own charter.

In the mid 16th century, when the Knights were in Malta, the familiar design now known as the “Maltese Cross” became associated with the island. The first evidence of the Maltese Cross on Malta appears on coins dated 1567 of the Grand Master Jean de la Vallette-Parisot (Grand Master 1557-1568).

The significance of the case design indicates that it was likely created for a special.