English gilt triple cased ray skin pocket watch Circa 1813

Exceptionally well preserved triple case watch
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An exceptionally well preserved triple cased verge watch, Edward Prior in London, England, circa 1780. The triple case of this watch was crafted from gilt and features an outer protective case with original ray skin cover and the  master’s mark IR v. B. The enamel dial features an outer minutes and hour track with Arabic hour numerals and probably original hands. The movement is equipped with a magnificent verge escapement.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Weight: 169 g
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Signed: Edward Prior
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Prior
Edward Prior (1780–1859) was a prominent London watchmaker who specialized in timepieces specifically for the Ottoman market. He carried on a “watchmaking dynasty” established by his father, George Prior, whose reputation in the Middle East was so great it became proverbial.

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Ray Skin
In pocket watch making, ray skin (more commonly known as shagreen) refers to the durable, decorative skin of a stingray or shark used to cover the outer protective cases of 18^th and early 19^th century timepieces.