English pair-cased quarter repeating pocket watch Circa 1774

Rare silver verge pocket watch by John Pepys
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A rare, English pair-cased quarter repeating verge pocket watch, circa 1774.
Two cases: outer case – silver, pierced edges, engraved and chased volutes and scrollwork, à goutte, case maker’s punch mark MR (Mary Reasy, Compton Street, Soho, London), large lateral hinge; inner case – silver, pierced edges, engraved flower, volutes and scrollwork, two cartouches with engraved mascaron and a landscape, rear bell, case maker’s punch mark MR, pusher for repetition via pendant. Enamel dial with radial Roman hours, and blued Poker & Beetle hands. Full plate movement, keywind, fire gilt, signed, applied floral decorations, chain/fusee, conical movement pillars, 2 hammers, three-arm steel balance, finely pierced balance cock with engraved maiden’s head, mythological birds, and flower tendrils and a mascaron.
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Weight: 179 g
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Signed: John Pepys, London
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John Pepys, English watchmaker
John Pepys was the son of Richard Pepys and Mary Scott and was part of the family of Secretary of State Samuel Pepys. He was a watchmaker in St Brides, London. He completed his training in 1672 with Jonathan Harris. He became a member of the Clockmakers Company in 1680 and named Master in 1707. He was a watchmaker and jeweller, based in Fleet Street. John married Mary Gibson on April 17, 1683. From this marriage 4 children were born, of which one twin, presumably only one child, William Pepys grew up and became a banker.
John Pepys passed away in November 1737, other sources name December 28, 1749, as the date of death. In 1950, his grave was found in Keston Parish Churchyard (cemetery).
Baillie finds other dates, John Pepys apprenticed until 1708 and was acquitted by the Clockmakers’ Company in 1715. He worked on Fleet Street.