English silver verge Ottoman market watch Circa 1825

Three cased watch for the Ottoman market
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An unusual three cased verge watch for the Ottoman market, made by Santiago James Moore French at the Royal Exchange, London, England, circa 1825. The three cases of this watch were crafted from silver and features a protective outer case covered with tortoiseshell with nail head decoration and both inner cases are smooth with London Hallmarks from 1825. The enamel dial features a minutes and hour outer track with Ottoman numerals and the original iron hands. The movement is equipped with a magnificent verge escapement and typical Ottoman pillars.
The dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 122 g
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Signed: French, Royal Exchange, London
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French
The history of French Royal Exchange (or simply French) is centered on the work of Santiago James Moore French (born circa 1781), an Irish born watchmaker who became one of London’s most prestigious horologists in the early 19^th century. Despite the name, the firm was English based, though it later had significant Spanish connections.
Succession (1845–1847: After the founder’s death in January 1842, the business was briefly continued by his son, John French.

The Losada Era (1847–1864): French’s widow eventually married José Rodríguez Losada, a Spanish watchmaker and exiled liberal who had worked for the firm. Losada further enhanced the company’s prestige, producing chronometers for international markets and donating the famous clock in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.

Closure (1864): The French Royal Exchange firm officially operated until 1864.
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Royal Exchange
The Royal Exchange is a shopping center in London which was officially opened in 1571 by Queen Elizabeth I.