Verge pocket watch
The pocket watch of the 18th century: thick, with a chain and fusee in the movement and a key for winding.
With the balance spring, introduced in the 1670s, the pocket watch became accurate enough to show minutes. The verge escapement and the fusee made watches thick, and they were sometimes called turnips.
The movement bears the watchmaker’s name and a number. The case marks – in England date letters – can show when the watch was cased.
Materials: Brass and steel movement; case of silver or gold; enamel dial
Manufacture: Handmade by watchmakers and specialists – spring makers, chain makers, engravers – usually in London, Geneva or Paris.
A keyhole in the dial or the back for winding.
A fusee and a thin chain in the movement, which even out the spring’s force.
An outer and an inner case, often with marks that date the silver.