English 22 carat gold historically interesting duplex Circa 1864

Gold hunting cased clock watch
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A fine and historically interesting English 22 carat gold duplex clock watch made to celebrate the 1863 marriage of H.R.H. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, circa 1864. This watch features a frosted gilded ¾ plate movement with a two train duplex escapement, a bimetallic compensation balance and strikes the hours and quarter hours on two gongs. The dial has a silvered chapter ring with Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track and engine turned gold center engraved with floral decoration.
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The case has a front cover with double oval portraits of Albert Edward and Alexandra, surrounded by chased and engraved flowers and foliage, and surmounted with a crown. The back of the case has polychrome enamel painted arms of the Royal Couple and the motto Ich Dieu (sic), along with the maker’s initials JB and London hallmarks for 1864.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Signed: James Mccabe London
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The case engraving and hallmarks remain sharp, though there is some light tarnishing due to age. The enamel portraits have chips in two areas: one on Albert’s right shoulder and a small one near the bottom centre. The enamel crest is well preserved. The dial shows signs of ageing and dirt. The watch functions when wound, but the repeating mechanism may not be operating correctly and might require servicing.
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Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, was born on November 9, 1841, as the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He adopted the regnal name Edward VII when he ascended to the throne after Victoria died in 1901, reigning until he died in 1910. On March 10, 1863, Albert Edward married Princess Alexandra of Denmark (1844–1925), who became Queen Alexandra upon his accession.
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The arms on the case back feature those of Albert and Alexandra, but the Prince of Wales’s motto is misspelt as ‘Ich Dieu’ instead of ‘Ich Dien,’ which means ‘I serve.’
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While it is uncertain who commissioned this watch, it is notable that Albert Edward gifted Alexandra a clock by Thomas Cole for her 19th birthday in 1863, the year they married (see Sotheby’s London, June 4, 1992, lot 351). It is possible that Alexandra commissioned this watch for her husband’s birthday the following year.