English rare gold centre seconds duplex watch Circa 1790

Rare gold centre seconds duplex watch
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An English rare gold center seconds duplex watch, circa 1790, gilt full plate movement with duplex escapement, engraved with foliate scrolls and a snake engraved indicator for regulation, bimetallic elongated U shaped compensation curb, diamond endstone, stop lever, white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute track, gold beetle and poker hands, steel centre seconds hand, gilt dust cover, polished plain gold case, case maker’s mark VW (Valentine Walker)  movement signed Just Vulliamy London
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Signed: Just Vulliamy London
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The Duplex became popular for watches fitted with centre seconds because it gave the hand the appearance of moving like a ‘deadbeat’.  This style was particularly prevalent in watches intended for the Chinese market.

Justin Vulliamy was the patriarch of three generations of watch and clockmakers. He left Switzerland and moved to England becoming the partner of Benjamin Gray and eventually married his daughter.
Vulliamy is known for his duplex watches which he continued to make from 1800-1820.