English heavy, large pair cased repeating watch Circa 1730

Open faced pocket watch with “repoussé” ornamentation
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An English heavy, large pair cased quarter repeating verge pocket watch with “repoussé” ornamentation “The Loving Couple”, circa 1730.
The outer 18 carat gold case of this heavy timepiece has a pierced rim decorated with engraved and chased rocaille ornamentation and four oval medallions. The medallions show profile portraits of two ladies and two bearded men. The rim on the front side is similarly embellished with small medallions with seashells. The 18 carat inner case is comfortable to hold and elaborately ornamented – the pierced rim is engraved with acanthus leaves, heraldic birds and dolphins and a bacchanalian mask at 6 o’clock, with the view of a city near the pendant. The rear bell strikes the quarter hour with a clear and strong tone. The gilt movement has a large diamond endstone and applied silver ornamentation; this matches the movement’s lateral silver protective cover which is lavishly decorated with mascarons, wild animals and dolphins surrounded by lavish tendrils and is signed “JN LAMPE LONDON”
The signed dial is gold champlevé with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes. It has a full plate movement a chain/fusee, 1 hammer, an engraved silver protective cover and a three-arm steel balance.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Weight: 204 g
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Signed: John Lampe, London
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John Lampe was a member of the Clockmakers’ Company from 1713 to 1765; in his book “Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World” Baillie mentions the fact that he was a member from 1714 on. Lampe had a workshop in Henrietta Street in London; he is also known to have produced long case and table clocks. A watch movement by Lampe is part of the Ilbert Collection.