German silver watch with aperture for time indication Circa 1710

Silver repoussé verge watch by Johann Jacob Kotte
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An unusual German silver pair cased repoussé verge watch with an aperture for time indication, circa 1710. The watch features a unique gilded full plate movement with a verge escapement, a decoratively pierced balance cock engraved with foliage and a winged cherub’s head, and a broad foot similarly decorated. It also includes a plain flat balance, a silver regulation disc, tulip pillars, a fusee and chain, and is signed by Joh. Jacob Kotte ffurt. The dial has an aperture for time indication, with a silver rotating disc displaying Roman hour numerals and quarter-hour divisions. Additionally, it showcases a high relief chased and engraved hunting scene set within a forest, with a townscape in the distance. The watch has two cases: a plain silver inner case with a split bezel for glass retention, a winding aperture to the back, a later stirrup pendant, and a bow. The outer case is chased and engraved with hunting trophies, and a pair of hounds at the centre, and the bezels are chased and engraved with scrolling foliage, and a square hinge.
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Diameter: 57 mm
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Signed: Joh. Jacob Kotte, Frankfurt
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The dial shows signs of repair and some breakages, especially in the finer parts such as the dog’s legs and the deer’s antlers, but the scene still maintains an impressive appearance. The inner case is plain with a slight depression to the band, while the outer case is worn and rubbed with some loss of definition to the decoration. Additionally, there are several small holes and splits, and the thumb piece is missing. The closure of the covers is a little loose. The movement is running, with plates showing some scratches, especially around the fixings for the dial plate.
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Johann Jakob Kotte is documented as having worked in Frankfurt between 1699 and 1721, according to Jürgen Abeler’s book “Meister der Uhrmacherkunst”.