English triple cased watch with Tortoiseshell case Circa 1720

Silver tortoiseshell triple cased verge pocket watch by Henry Massy
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A triple cased English verge pocket watch with tortoiseshell outer case and stud decoration, circa 1720.
Three cases: tortoiseshell-covered protection case with stud decoration; a silver, polished outer case with a large lateral hinge; and a silver inner case. Signed silver champlevé dial with Roman hours, five-minute Arabic outer track, and steel hands. Full plate movement with chain/fusee and three-arm steel balance.
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Diameter: 63 mm
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Weight: 191 g
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Signed: Henry Massy, London
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Nicholas Massy, English watchmaker
Renowned French watchmaker Nicholas Massy(I) was a native of Blois and became a master there in 1623. He got married in the same year and had three sons, who all came to be famous makers themselves. His son Nicolas Massy (II) was born in Blois and came to London as a refugee; his workshop was in Cranbourn Street in Westminster. He was a member of the Clockmakers Company from 1682 on and died in 1698. His son Nicolas Massy (III) took over his father’s workshop in Cranbourn Street and became a member of the Clockmakers Company in 1693; he died in 1723.