German exclusive silver pair cased verge watch Circa 1760

Silver and tortoiseshell open faced pocket watch
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An exclusive German silver and tortoiseshell pair cased pocket watch made for the Alpine region by Johann Hillenbrandt in Steinbach, Moorenweis, circa 1760. The full plate movement with chain and fusee, a verge escapement and three arm brass balance. Raised white enamel dial with black Roman hour numerals, outer minute divisions, polychrome enamel decoration in the center and fine hands. A tortoiseshell covered outer case decorated with studs and a plain silver inner case.
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Diameter: 72 mm
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Weight: 223 g
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Signed: No name
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Such an extremely high level of detail in the decoration of a watch movement in this type of watch, of this quality and dating from this particular period, has never been seen before. The quality of the engraving, the level of skeletonizing and the overall impression remind one of the spectacular pieces produced in Augsburg during the late Renaissance.
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The large open work balance cock shows a blacksmith and his helper putting a shoe on a horse’s right hind leg while the owner waits beside them. The signature on the movement is, unusually, located beneath the balance bridge and curves around the balance wheel. On the edge of the movement, an open work, a polished steel banner is between the ornamented, bun shaped pillars, the writing, in mirror image, reads F REMHABSUN and most likely stands for F. Nusbahmer, who was probably the buyer of this watch. The movement, as such, is a fine example of superior skills and craftsmanship.