English pair cased quarter repeating verge watch Circa 1717

Gold open faced pocket watch by John Ellicott the Elder
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An English pair cased quarter repeating verge pocket watch, circa 1717.
The elaborately ornamented outer case is decorated with an exquisite cartouche on the back. The pierced rim is engraved and chased with acanthus leaves and seashells. Four medallions with baskets of fruits and flowers are shown on the front; similarly, there are four medallions on the back, with fine profile portraits. The figures wearing headdresses represent the four continents that were known at the time – Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The inner case is lavishly embellished; the pierced rim is engraved with acanthus tendrils and birds, a mascaron at 6 o’clock and the view of a city at the pendant.
18k gold case, chased and pierced, case maker’s punch mark “RH”. 18k gold inner case, signed movement protection cap, rear bell. White enamel dial, Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numerals for the minutes. Full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm brass balance, signed John Ellicott London.
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Diameter: 54 mm
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Weight: 176 g
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Signed: John Ellicott the Elder, London
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Renowned London maker John Ellicott began his apprenticeship as a watchmaker with John Waters on September 6, 1687, who worked at Austin Friars street and later at Swithin’s Alley, Royal Exchange. Ellicott received the freedom of the Clockmakers’ Company on July 6, 1696 to become a member. In 1733 he was elected junior warden of the Company; he died in the same year.
His son John Ellicott the younger (1706-1772) took over his father’s workshop in 1728.