German silver watch with unusual rock crystal balance cock Circa 1720

Silver verge pocket watch by Andreas Golling
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A silver German pair cased pocket watch with unusual rock crystal and silver balance cock, circa 1720. The watch showcases a gilded full plate movement with verge escapement, fusee, and chain. It also boasts a silver balance cock adorned with a faceted rock crystal panel, revealing a polished flat steel balance centred with a diamond, and an engraved scrolling foliage plate. The broad cock foot is intricately pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage, and it features a silver regulation plate and stylized floriated form pillars. It bears the signature and number of Andr. Golling, 148. The silver champlevé dial has Roman numerals, half-hour divisions, an outer Arabic minute ring, a gilded border, a turned minute hand, filigree hour hand, and a central cartouche with twin apertures revealing blued panels signed Golling, Fecit. It is encircled by a chased and engraved rampant lion and unicorn. The watch case includes a plain silver inner case with a winding aperture at the back. There is a maker’s mark, possibly MI, beneath an incuse crown and it features a later pendant and bow. The outer silver case has a border chased and engraved with scrolling foliage inhabited by grotesque masks and harpies, and the bezel is similarly decorated with a square hinge.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Signed: Andr. Golling
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Andreas Golling is believed to have been born in Anwaldingen. He obtained the title of Master in 1712, got married in Augsburg in 1714, and passed away in 1746. The movement features a highly unusual balance cock set with a polished, flat rock crystal medallion that reveals a three-arm balance with broad tapered spokes and a short spiral spring. Positioned above the centre of the cock is a diamond.
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Light scuffs and tarnishing are present on the dial. The inner case has some dents on the back, a repair to the pendant, and a later bow. The outer case shows rubbing and wear to the decoration, but the overall design remains clear. The movement is running, but it would likely benefit from a cleaning and service. Additionally, there are some scratches on the plates and signs of repair to the holes for the contrate wheel pinion.