Fine English 22k gold repoussé pair cased pocket watch Circa 1777

Gold half-quarter repeating verge watch
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A very fine English, 22K gold repousse pair cased half-quarter repeating pocket watch, circa 1777. Cleopatra Dissolving the Pearl by Joseph Martineau Senior, London, London hallmarks for 1777-1778. Outer case: repoussé, depicting Cleopatra dissolving the pearl in asymmetrical rococo cartouche pierced foliate outer border. Inner case: bassine, band pierced and engraved with floral pattern, mask at the front. Gilt-brass dust cap. White enamel dial, radial Roman numerals, outer arcaded minute ring, five-minute Arabic numerals. Gold Louis XV hands. A hinged, frosted gilt full plate movement with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, brass balance with flat balance spring, single-footed cock with diamond endstone, repeating on bell activated by depressing the pendant. Movement and dust cap signed. Property of a Swiss Gentleman.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Signed: Joseph Martineau Senior  London
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The subject of Cleopatra and the pearl became popular in art and a number of repoussé watch cases are known to feature it. This case, however, is of a different composition than other known cases. Joseph Martineau Senior was a very capable watchmaker. His watches are to be found in numerous museums. Repeating watches similar to this one are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Pierpont Morgan Collection) and the Mathematische Physikalische Salon in Dresden. He was active between 1744 and 1794, first establishing himself at Orange St., then in St. Martin’s Court.