English gold watch with portrait of John Harrison Circa 1772

Important yellow gold verge watch with portrait of John Harrison
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An English historically important yellow gold pair cased verge watch with portrait of John Harrison attributed to George Michael Moser, the watch by John Harrison’s son-in-law John Barton, circa 1771-1772, gilded full plate movement, verge escapement, pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, fusee and chain, turned cylindrical pillars, signed and numbered dust cap, movement and dust cap signed Jno. Barton, London.
White enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands.
Plain gold inner case, winding aperture to back, hallmarked 1771-1772, case maker’s mark TL star above incuse for Thomas Layton, chased and engraved outer case with central portrait plaque painted en grisaille on a chocolate ground and depicting a profile bust of John Harrison attributed to George Michael Moser (after James Tassie), engraved decoration around the case depicting globes and other navigational instruments, a gridiron pendulum, Phoebus (Radiant) Apollo at the pendant, with a fish-skin covered outer protective case.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Signed: Jno. Barton London
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John Barton, the maker of the present lot, was John Harrison’s son-in-law and was married to Harrison’s daughter, Elizabeth.  The case is hallmarked for 1771-1772, indicating that the watch may have been given as a gift to Harrison no earlier than 1772.  The year 1772 was a pivotal one for John Harrison, who was then aged 79 and had spent nearly 40 years working to solve the Longitude problem. His battle to obtain full recognition from the Board of Longitude caused Harrison to seek the help of King George III. On 31st January 1771, Harrison’s son William was received and interviewed by the King, who is recorded to have remarked: “these people have been cruelly treated…And By God Harrison, I will see you righted!”