English silver quarter repeating verge pocket watch Circa 1740

Silver pair cased pocket watch by Godfrie Poy
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An English open faced silver quarter repeating pocket watch, circa 1740. The movement features a verge escapement, a quarter repeater striking on a bell, and a floral engraved, open worked balance bridge with a grimace and diamond cap jewel. It includes a regulation dial, a signature on the movement, and on the dust cover. The white enamel dial displays Roman radial hour numerals, an outer minutes track with Arabic five minute numerals (damage at the 6), and Beetle & Poker hands. The finely engraved, open worked silver case is adorned with floral ornaments and exceptionally lacking hallmarks, likely made to order for export.
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Diameter: 51.5 cm
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Signed: Godfrie Poy London
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Godfrie Poy (1718-1753) was an exceptional watchmaker, not an Englishman and exempt from guilds, who was permitted to create his works outside the strictly regulated tax code. He was an outstanding clockmaker, and examples of his repeater clocks are found in several prestigious collections, including the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. He also crafted a clock for the Prince of Wales, who later became King George II. He was particularly renowned for his production of stick clocks, which still fetch top prices at numerous auctions today.