English gilt-metal and enamel verge pocket watch Circa 1770

Gilt metal and enamel pair cased verge watch
–
An English gilt metal and enamel pair cased verge watch, circa 1770, gilded full plate movement, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, fusee and chain, baluster pillars, signed Wm. Auckland, London.
White enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands.
Gilt metal inner case, back with winding aperture, outer with ‘Bilston’-type enamel painted scene of two lovers in an Arcadian setting with classical ruins, yellow raised cartouche, white stippled border, bezel with polychrome flowers.
–
Diameter: 53 mm
–
Signed: Wm. Auckland, London
–
During the third quarter of the 18th century, a fashion for enamel watch cases developed. It is thought that most of these cases were made in the workshops of Birmingham and South Staffordshire and are often referred to as ‘Bilston’ enamel. The case of the present watch is a typical example of this work and its composition was perhaps influenced by Italianate landscape painters such as Richard Wilson (1715-1782). For further examples of Bilston enamel watches, see: Cedric Jagger, The Artistry of the English Watch, 1988, col. pl. 14, p. 126 & discussion p.51.

William Auckland of London was active before 1782.