English silver quarter repeating verge pocket watch Circa 1700

Silver pair cased pocket watch
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An English silver pair cased keywinding verge pocket watch made by Windmills, London, circa 1700. With one horological complication: Quarter repeater on one bell, activated by depressing the pendant. Outer case pierced and polished. The case back and case band are pierced and engraved with a grotesque mask, four birds with spread wings and two phantasmagorical animal heads; in the center a rosette. A white enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track with Arbic numerals at five intervals, and blued steel Poker & Beetle hands. A gilt brass, full plate movement, fusee and chain, verge escapement, monometallic balance and blued steel flat hairspring, pierced and engraved gilded continental cock; repeater work on the main plate, under the dial. Signature on the movement.
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Diameter: 41 mm
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Weight: 157 g
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Signed: Windmills  London
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During the second half of the 18th century, several watches had their silver or gold champlevé dials replaced by enamel dials, at the request of their owners. The enamel dials are clearer to read in weak light.
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Windmills brothers;
Joseph Windmills is a watchmaker active in London at the end of the 17th century and at the beginning of the 18th century.
Thomas Windmills, son of the previous, to whom he was apprenticed until 1693, is recorded working until 1732.