German silver pair cased wandering hour verge Circa 1720

Silver watch with enamel portraits by Johann Jakob Serner
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A German silver wandering hour watch featuring enamel portraits of a gentleman and lady, housed in an associated shagreen outer case, circa 1720. This watch showcases a gilded full plate movement with a verge escapement, featuring an engraved winged balance cock mounted with a polychrome enamel painted miniature of a lady, broad pierced and engraved cock foot, silver regulation disc, Egyptian pillars, fusee, and chain. It is signed by Joh. Jac. Serner of Lübeck. The dial includes a gilded sector with a wandering hour aperture, adorned with scrolling foliage, as well as semi circular silver sectors above and below for minutes and quarter hours. Additionally, it features a polychrome enamel painted portrait bust, possibly depicting Frederick I of Prussia (1657-1713), surrounded by applied gilded, chased and engraved military trophies. The watch comprises two cases: a plain silver inner case with a split bezel for glass retention and a pendant with a later ring. It also includes an associated outer case made of gilt metal with a shagreen covering, enhanced with gilded pin work decoration.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Joh. Jac. Serner, lübeck
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The dial shows scuffs, scratches and some wear to the gilding. The enamel portrait on the dial is in good overall condition, but the balance cock has some scratches and chips on the upper left side. The inner case has dents, especially on the band and a small split to the left of the winding aperture, as well as another split on the opposite side of the case back. The pendant shows signs of repair, but the ring was added later. The shagreen outer case is a later addition with some splits and repairs and some of the pin work decoration is now lacking. There is a 19th century import mark on the case.
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Johann Jakob Serner was a German watchmaker known for his collaboration with Michael Bürger on the tower clock for the Church of St. Lorenz in Lübeck. Serner, who was married twice, passed away before 1728. His son, also named Johann Jakob Serner II (d. 1753), followed in his footsteps as a watchmaker in Lübeck. Notably, Serner created a unique silver double cased verge pocket watch with an open dial and walking hour mechanism featuring the enamel portrait of King George I of England (1660-1727). This pocket watch is considered a fine example of a royal presentation clock, often presented to dignitaries or friends of the king. In addition to this intricate creation, Serner also crafted simpler clocks.
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Examples of his work can be found in the Tyrolean State Museum in Innsbruck, the State Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, and various private collections.