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Lot Essay
George Prior, born in 1782 and recorded as working in London from 1793-1830, was an eminent watchmaker, specializing in the production of watches and clocks for the Turkish market.
From the early 18th century onward, the Ottoman Empire's upper class developed a taste for European watches, a demand which at first was principally met by London makers. These watches are distinguished by the Turkish numerals and highly decorated dials and cases, often fitted with triple or even quadruple cases. The bows were shaped, for example in crescent form, such as the present watch. The lavishly adorned cases could be set with precious stones or decorated with enamel scenes, the themes adapted to the clientele's own aesthetic forms.
From the early 18th century onward, the Ottoman Empire's upper class developed a taste for European watches, a demand which at first was principally met by London makers. These watches are distinguished by the Turkish numerals and highly decorated dials and cases, often fitted with triple or even quadruple cases. The bows were shaped, for example in crescent form, such as the present watch. The lavishly adorned cases could be set with precious stones or decorated with enamel scenes, the themes adapted to the clientele's own aesthetic forms.