Working 1775 John Downes London Verge Fusee Pocket Watch – Sterling Silver Pair
Offered here is a fine Georgian verge fusee pocket watch by the London watchmaker John Downes , hallmarked in London, 1775/76 . This genuine 18th-century timepiece survives in its original sterling silver pair case and represents a wonderful example of English horology from the golden age of pocket watchmaking.
🕰️ The Movement
The gilt verge fusee movement is beautifully finished and signed in elegant script “Jnᵒ Downes, London” . The top plate carries an ornate pierced and engraved balance cock decorated with flowers, and the regulator index is marked Fast / Slow. The fusee chain and cone can be seen clearly from the side — a key feature of these early watches.
When wound, the watch does tick and run , proving the mechanism is complete and functional. However, it stops when the case is closed , most likely because the hands are currently touching and need adjustment. As with all verge fusee watches of this age, it will benefit from a full professional service to be enjoyed properly.
⌚ The Dial and Hands
- Original white enamel dial with bold Roman numerals
- Slim gilt hands with a decorative heart-shaped tip on the hour hand
- Some minor age marks and wear, but presentable for a watch over 245 years old
🛡️ The Case
This is a true pair case — an inner watch case fitted into a larger protective outer case. Both are fully hallmarked:
- Lion passant – sterling silver (.925)
- Leopard’s head (crowned) – London Assay Office
- Date letter “U” – for the assay year 1775/76
- Maker’s mark “AD” – the case sponsor’s initials
The outer case shows dents, wear, and some damage , with the hinge and surface showing their age. The inner case is stronger but still bears the honest patina of nearly 250 years.
📏 Details
- Maker: John Downes, London
- Date: 1775/76 (London hallmarks)
- Movement: Verge fusee, key-wind, signed and numbered
- Case: Sterling silver (.925), pair case, hallmarked
- Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals
- Hands: Original gilt, currently touching and require adjustment
⚠️ Condition Notes
- The movement runs but stops when closed (due to hands touching and likely needing service)
- Outer case with dents, wear, and age damage
- Hands need separating/adjustment
- Offered as-is, for restoration
🔍 Summary
This is a working 18th-century English verge fusee pocket watch by a named London maker, housed in a hallmarked sterling silver case dated 1775/76 . Nearly two and a half centuries old, it represents the craftsmanship of the Georgian period and the early evolution of English watchmaking.
With sympathetic restoration, this watch will make an impressive addition to any collection of antique timepieces, or remain as a fine historical object in its present state.
⚠️ Sold as-is for restoration. Please study all photographs carefully for condition.
Offered here is a fine Georgian verge fusee pocket watch by the London watchmaker John Downes , hallmarked in London, 1775/76 . This genuine 18th-century timepiece survives in its original sterling silver pair case and represents a wonderful example of English horology from the golden age of pocket watchmaking.
🕰️ The Movement
The gilt verge fusee movement is beautifully finished and signed in elegant script “Jnᵒ Downes, London” . The top plate carries an ornate pierced and engraved balance cock decorated with flowers, and the regulator index is marked Fast / Slow. The fusee chain and cone can be seen clearly from the side — a key feature of these early watches.
When wound, the watch does tick and run , proving the mechanism is complete and functional. However, it stops when the case is closed , most likely because the hands are currently touching and need adjustment. As with all verge fusee watches of this age, it will benefit from a full professional service to be enjoyed properly.
⌚ The Dial and Hands
- Original white enamel dial with bold Roman numerals
- Slim gilt hands with a decorative heart-shaped tip on the hour hand
- Some minor age marks and wear, but presentable for a watch over 245 years old
🛡️ The Case
This is a true pair case — an inner watch case fitted into a larger protective outer case. Both are fully hallmarked:
- Lion passant – sterling silver (.925)
- Leopard’s head (crowned) – London Assay Office
- Date letter “U” – for the assay year 1775/76
- Maker’s mark “AD” – the case sponsor’s initials
The outer case shows dents, wear, and some damage , with the hinge and surface showing their age. The inner case is stronger but still bears the honest patina of nearly 250 years.
📏 Details
- Maker: John Downes, London
- Date: 1775/76 (London hallmarks)
- Movement: Verge fusee, key-wind, signed and numbered
- Case: Sterling silver (.925), pair case, hallmarked
- Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals
- Hands: Original gilt, currently touching and require adjustment
⚠️ Condition Notes
- The movement runs but stops when closed (due to hands touching and likely needing service)
- Outer case with dents, wear, and age damage
- Hands need separating/adjustment
- Offered as-is, for restoration
🔍 Summary
This is a working 18th-century English verge fusee pocket watch by a named London maker, housed in a hallmarked sterling silver case dated 1775/76 . Nearly two and a half centuries old, it represents the craftsmanship of the Georgian period and the early evolution of English watchmaking.
With sympathetic restoration, this watch will make an impressive addition to any collection of antique timepieces, or remain as a fine historical object in its present state.
⚠️ Sold as-is for restoration. Please study all photographs carefully for condition.
Offered here is a fine Georgian verge fusee pocket watch by the London watchmaker John Downes , hallmarked in London, 1775/76 . This genuine 18th-century timepiece survives in its original sterling silver pair case and represents a wonderful example of English horology from the golden age of pocket watchmaking.
🕰️ The Movement
The gilt verge fusee movement is beautifully finished and signed in elegant script “Jnᵒ Downes, London” . The top plate carries an ornate pierced and engraved balance cock decorated with flowers, and the regulator index is marked Fast / Slow. The fusee chain and cone can be seen clearly from the side — a key feature of these early watches.
When wound, the watch does tick and run , proving the mechanism is complete and functional. However, it stops when the case is closed , most likely because the hands are currently touching and need adjustment. As with all verge fusee watches of this age, it will benefit from a full professional service to be enjoyed properly.
⌚ The Dial and Hands
- Original white enamel dial with bold Roman numerals
- Slim gilt hands with a decorative heart-shaped tip on the hour hand
- Some minor age marks and wear, but presentable for a watch over 245 years old
🛡️ The Case
This is a true pair case — an inner watch case fitted into a larger protective outer case. Both are fully hallmarked:
- Lion passant – sterling silver (.925)
- Leopard’s head (crowned) – London Assay Office
- Date letter “U” – for the assay year 1775/76
- Maker’s mark “AD” – the case sponsor’s initials
The outer case shows dents, wear, and some damage , with the hinge and surface showing their age. The inner case is stronger but still bears the honest patina of nearly 250 years.
📏 Details
- Maker: John Downes, London
- Date: 1775/76 (London hallmarks)
- Movement: Verge fusee, key-wind, signed and numbered
- Case: Sterling silver (.925), pair case, hallmarked
- Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals
- Hands: Original gilt, currently touching and require adjustment
⚠️ Condition Notes
- The movement runs but stops when closed (due to hands touching and likely needing service)
- Outer case with dents, wear, and age damage
- Hands need separating/adjustment
- Offered as-is, for restoration
🔍 Summary
This is a working 18th-century English verge fusee pocket watch by a named London maker, housed in a hallmarked sterling silver case dated 1775/76 . Nearly two and a half centuries old, it represents the craftsmanship of the Georgian period and the early evolution of English watchmaking.
With sympathetic restoration, this watch will make an impressive addition to any collection of antique timepieces, or remain as a fine historical object in its present state.
⚠️ Sold as-is for restoration. Please study all photographs carefully for condition.