French silver pair-cased verge watch with alarm Circa 1710

Silver verge with alarm by Nicolas Massy
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A French pair-cased single-handed verge pocket watch with alarm, circa 1710.
Signed, keywind, fire gilt fine full plate movement with chain/fusee, additional pierced and florally engraved barrel for alarm, one hammer, conical baluster movement pillars, three-arm brass balance, and pierced and florally engraved balance bridge. Silver champlevé dial with inlaid radial Roman hours, central rotating alarm disc, and blued single hand. Two cases: outer case – silver, polished, with a large lateral hinge; and inner case – silver, with openwork border and reverse side with very fine engravings, decorated with foliage, flowers, birds, small animals, and central flower blossom; and rear bell.
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Diameter: 50 mm
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Weight: 133 g
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Signed: Nicolas Massy, Blois
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Renowned French watchmaker Nicholas Massy (I) was a native of Blois and became a master there in 1623. He married the same year and had three sons, who all became famous makers. His son Nicolas Massy (II) was born in Blois and came to London as a refugee; his workshop was on 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.