English gold and rock crystal verge pocket watch Circa 1730

Gold watch with glazed movement
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A gold and rock crystal pocket watch, signed by Cha Clay London, Circa 1730-1739. Open faced, keywinding on the front, back glazed rock crystal movement. A gilt finished verge movement, signed by Cha Clay, London 1197. Finely pierced and engraved balance cock. White enamel dial with Roman numerals, Arabic numerals outer.
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Signed: Cha Clay  London
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Charles Clay was a machine watch maker who, according to his will dated 18 January 1739, came originally from Emley, near Huddersfield, West Riding, Yorkshire. In February 1716 he petitioned Parliament for a patent for a repeating and musical watch. The patent was disputed by Daniel Quare and although the Attorney General reported in favour of Mr Clay, the Clockmakers’ Company defended their distinguished former Master, Quare. The case was fought for over a year and the patent was finally not granted. Clay took a shop south of St Mary-Le Strand, London, in 1720 and by 1723 was appointed Clockmaker to His Majesty’s Board of Works, a position he held until at least 1737.