English unusual bell-striking repeating watch Circa 1810

Gold open faced pocket watch by John Johnson
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Very fine and unusual English 22K rose gold pair cased Stogdens bell-striking half-quarter repeating watch with silent-striking option and ruby duplex escapement with a noble provenance, circa 1810. This timepiece comprises two cases: a heavy outer case with a coat of arms on the back and an inner case with a band engraved with a foliate pattern. Inside the inner case is a bell signed by Drury, London and a silent-striking pin protruding at five from under the bezel. The white enamel dial displays Roman hours and gold heart hands. The fire gilt, 40 mm, full plate movement features a chain/fusee, Harrisons maintaining power, ruby duplex escapement with 3-arm steel balance secured by an unusual pierced and engraved bridge, rare enamel regulating plate, highly executed Stogdens all-or-nothing repeating mechanism, and gilt dust cap.
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Diameter: 58 mm
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Signed: (John) Johnson
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John Johnson took over his father’s business and continued operating from the same address. Based on most of his pieces, it seems he specialized in catering to high-end clients. In London, Drury and Wyld were renowned for being the best watch bell-makers, known for producing bells with a long-lasting, crisp sound that did not cause any disturbance. In 1720, George Graham’s worker, Matthew Stogden, invented a repeating mechanism that was quickly adopted by the best London repeaters. Almost eighty years later, when he learned about it, Breguet improved upon Stogden’s system and developed his own version. Although complicated, the system was reliable, with cleverly designed hammers that would slide vertically to engage the lifts at the appropriate moment and repeat at the right time. Based on the coat of arms on the back, the watch was likely made for British nobility, which could explain the extra attention to quality.