Unusual English watch with oversized five-arm balance Circa 1860

Silver open faced pocket watch by Joseph Hackler
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An unusual English gentleman’s pocket watch with oversized five-arm balance, circa 1860. Formerly with Massey-Typ-IV-lever escapement.
Silver case, engraved cartouche and engine turned, with reeded band, case maker’s punch mark “HM” (probably Henry Mansell of Liverpool) and glazed movement. Enamel dial with radial Roman hours, auxiliary seconds and spade hands. Full plate movement, keywind and silvered, with large monometallic five-arm balance (29 mm), blued balance spring and chatoned diamond endstone on balance.
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Diameter: 56 mm
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Weight: 163 g
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Signed: Hackler, Preston
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Joseph Hackler founded a jewellery and watch business in Preston, England in 1851. The company still exists and is based at 6B Preston Lune Street. (show this place). The Hackler family originally came from Germany. Today the owner is the 75 year old Norman Oldfield, who has been in this business for 50 years (2010).