Lot Essay
This watch has an enamel case of exceptional quality and is unusual in having an English movement. It is likely that the case was made in Geneva around 1700 and brought back to England shortly afterwards. The movement by Charles Gretton has undoubtedly been made specifically for this dial and case. The high regard in which this watch was evidently held is shown in that Charles Gretton, a highly respected maker, was chosen to make the movement and a gold repousse outer case of the highest quality and glazed with rock crystal, made especially for this watch. The outer case has been made to continue the military theme and also to show the enamel of the inner case to superb advantage. The appearance of the watch when viewed from the back would also bring it into high fashion in the mid-18th Century.