English gilt quarter repeater by Thomas Tompion Circa 1698

Quarter repeating watch by Thomas Tompion
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An English quarter repeating verge in later gilt metal cases, circa 1698. Full plate fire gilt movement with three Egyptian pillars, one gilt turned baluster pillar and a slender blue steel turned baluster pillar, fusee and chain with worm and wheel barrel set-up between the plates, pierced and engraved cock, broad pierced and engraved foot, plain steel balance, silver regulator disc. Push pendant quarter repeating on a bell in the back of the case. Later white enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, pierced gilt hands. The inner case pierced and engraved in a band, gilt push pendant for the repeat, plain gilt metal outer.
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Diameter: 52 mm
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Signed: Tho Tompion London
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Tompion employed an unusual form of repeating work where the teeth of the rack is hinged and moved vertically when the pendant is depressed. It requires care in its execution and does not appear to have been copied by other makers.