Rare English 18K gold skeletonized Masonic watch Circa 1862

Gold center seconds lever pocket watch
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A rare English 18 carat gold skeletonized center seconds Masonic pocket watch made by William Wood in Liverpool, circa 1862. The glazed skeletonized bridge movement with chain and fusee, Masonic symbols, a pointed tooth lever escapement and gold screw compensation balance. The face features a gilt chapter ring with Roman hours, outer minute divisions with five minute numerals and blued hands. An elaborately florally engraved case after Thomas Dunn’s patent with a central vacant cartouche on the back. Movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Weight: 98 g
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Signed: William Wood 69 Lord Street Liverpool
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The present watch was made according to Thomas Dunn’s patent, as can be read on the movement’s bridge.
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Thomas Dunn’s patent for glazed cases has the following description: “The watches are provided with a glass case that protects the inner movement from dirt. The inner structure is so fine that almost the entire movement can be seen at any time. This means that even the smallest particles of dirt can be detected before they damage the work (…).”
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In the end, space was found on the highly decorated bridges to accommodate the lettering of William Wood 69 Lord Street Liverpool and Thomas Dunn’s patent. The rest of this extraordinary work, on the other hand, is reduced to the essential. Wherever there was still some space, it is very artistically decorated.
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In Brian Loome’s standard work Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, William Wood is listed as a Liverpool watchmaker between 1860 and 1868. He was a maker to the Admiralty.