Description: Verge pocket watch, the movement made by Jonathon Purchis, in Margate, Kent around 1780. The 22ct gold engraved pair case is a much earlier, made in 1690. Gilt brass movement with engraved and pierced balance cock. Six spokes on the 3rd and 4th wheels (a sign of good quality). The white enamelled copper dial is about 35.5 mm in diameter.
Inner Case (41.5 mm) hallmarked for 1690, 22k. gold, maker SWF?. Dust protective shutter for the winding hole. The stem and bow are not gold and are later replacements. Outer case (46.2 mm) with matching hallmarks to the inner.
Additional Info:
This wonderful early gold pair case is exceedingly rare. The earliest known hallmarks on gold cases only date from a few years earlier in about 1683. The movement is a perfect fit, with the catch and winding arbor lining up perfectly with the case and the hinge sleeves are tight with no gaps. We think that the movement was custom made to fit this case.
The previous owner has contacted the most knowledgable expert on English hallmarks: Philip Priestley, who has written two books on the subject. His comment was:
“You are very fortunate to have one of the earliest pieces of hallmarked English 22k gold of any type and anywhere in the world”.
Antiquarian Horology 
