English gilded silver pair cased striking watch Circa 1775

Gilt open faced verge pocket
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An English gilt silver verge pocket watch with a cockerel and striking mechanism made by James Tregent in London, circa the second half of the 18th century. The watch features a chain and fusee movement with push piece winding at 12 o’clock, a verge escapement and a gilt plate engraved with Jams Fregent, London, 1055,  centred by a rose cut diamond. Its white enamel dial displays Roman hours, outer minute dots, outermost Arabic five minute numerals, and poker & beetle hands. It has two openwork gilded silver cases decorated with foliage. The second case bears a cartouche engraved with either a head or a landscape. The gilt metal dust cover is inscribed with 1055, Jams Fregent, Leicester Square, London. The larger case bears a goldsmith’s hallmark: P.M.
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Diameter inner case: 40 mm
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Diameter outer case: 48 mm
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Weight: 114.5 g
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Signed: Jams Tregent London
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James Tregent was an Anglo-French watchmaker who worked in London during the late 1700s. He was well known for his skill and served as an official watchmaker for the royal family.
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Tregent was born to a French family and settled in London. He first appeared in records in 1759 and joined the Clockmakers’ Company in 1781, remaining a member until his death between 1806 and 1808. He was known as the “Watchmaker to the Prince of Wales,” who later became King George IV. Some of his pieces have inscriptions mentioning the Duke of Kent. He had workshops in well known parts of London, including the Strand, Leicester Square, and Cranbourn Street. He made table clocks and pocket watches, often in the Rococo style. His watches often featured the cylinder escapement and back plates decorated with detailed leaf designs.