English gilt open faced navigation watch with compass Circa 1790

Gilt captain’s pocket watch
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A maritime rarity, this captain’s pocket watch with compass made by Benjamin Webb in London, England, circa 1790. This pair cased navigation watch was crafted from gilt. The very well preserved white enamel face features time indication at three o’clock with Roman numerals for the hours, outer minute divisions and arrow hands, subsidiary seconds at 6 and a compass at 9, marked By The King’s Patent. The numbered movement has a verge escapement.
Dial and movement signed.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Weight: 151 g
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Signed: Benjn Webb London
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Only a few of these watches, which were used on expeditions around 1800, are known and have survived.