English gold watch with two corresponding chatelaines Circa 1737

Gold and enamel verge watch by Benjamin Gray
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An important English ensemble of museum quality consisting of a gold and enamel pocket watch with two corresponding chatelaines and a necessaire (pocket bag), circa 1737. Signed fine full plate movement, key wind, chain and fusee, verge escapement, three arm steel balance.
White enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, outer minutes track and steel hands. 22 Carat gold and gilt brass case, the surfaces decorated with flowers and leaves in blue basse taille enamel on an engine turned ground.
The necessaire has a wavy rim and a hinged lid with a diamond button for opening it and tapers to the bottom. It contains a pair of scissors, a small ivory tablet, an ear spoon, a small folding knife, a pair of tweezers, a nib with holder and an awl. Both chatelaines are made of gold and enamel, the smaller one has a hinged centre and is about 75 mm long and the larger four part chatelaine has a watch key attached and is 112 mm long.
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Diameter: 42 mm
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Weight: 66 g
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Signed: Benjamin Gray London
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Benjamin Gray (1676-1764) is recorded as an eminent maker working in Pall Mall with his partner Justin Vulliamy. They were appointed clockmakers to the King. Today Benjamin Gray’s clocks are held by many private collections.
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Bass taille is an enamelling technique in which the artist creates a low relief pattern in metal, usually silver or gold, by engraving or chasing. The entire pattern is created in such a way that its highest point is lower than the surrounding metal. A translucent enamel is then applied to the metal, allowing light to reflect from the relief and creating an artistic effect. It was used in the late Middle Ages, and then again in the 17th century.