ANTIQUE c.1730s English Silver Pair Case Verge Fusee Pocket Watch Ottoman Market

Presented for acquisition is an exceptionally rare, museum-quality antique English pair case pocket watch, dating to the early Georgian era (circa 1730s). During the 18th century, elite London watchmakers dominated the lucrative export trade to the Ottoman Empire, crafting highly specialized, luxurious timepieces for Turkish dignitaries and wealthy merchants.

This specific piece is a masterclass in period craftsmanship tailored for that exact market. The outer case features a magnificent, hand-painted polychrome enamel scene depicting the bustling Bosphorus strait and the iconic skyline of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), complete with traditional sailing vessels and towering mosque minarets. The dial further confirms its provenance, featuring a highly unusual triple-track design: standard black Roman hour numerals, an outer Arabic minute track, and an inner ring of traditional red Ottoman numerals. The movement is proudly signed by “Nostrom, London,” an English maker of the period. The inclusion of a later German watchmaker’s paper (Heinrich Seebaum of Hannover) hidden within the case provides a fascinating glimpse into the watch’s historical journey across Europe.

Technical Specifications

• Maker: Nostrom, London

• Era: Georgian (c. 1730s)

• Style: Pair Case (Double Case) tailored for the Ottoman Market

• Dimensions: 49mm diameter, 25mm thick.

• Total Weight: 130 grams (inclusive of watch and chain).

• Movement: Antique English verge fusee mechanical movement with a highly pierced and engraved balance cock.

• Accessories: Includes a massive 50cm original silver Ottoman chain fob and a matching winding key.

• Operating State: Tested and in perfect working condition.

Detailed Condition & Macro-Photographic Report

This 300-year-old historical artifact has been exceptionally preserved. Please refer to the detailed macro photography provided for a precise visual inspection:

• Dial & Hands : The original white enamel dial is in beautiful antique condition, showcasing the rare red Ottoman inner numerals. The intricate, hand-filed gilt “beetle and poker” style hands remain intact.

• Enamel Outer Case: The reverse of the outer silver case features a breathtaking hand-painted enamel scene of the Constantinople skyline. The colors remain remarkably vibrant, with the minarets and maritime vessels showing incredible detail.

• Inner Case & Watch Paper : The inner silver case houses a beautifully preserved, antique yellow watchmaker’s paper from “Heinr. Seebaum Jun. Uhrmacher in HANNOVER,” indicating historical maintenance and a rich provenance.

• Verge Fusee Movement : The hinged movement swings out to reveal a spectacular fire-gilt full plate verge fusee movement. The balance cock is a work of art, featuring deep, hand-pierced floral scrollwork and a solid regulating disc. The signature “Nostrom London” is beautifully engraved in flowing script.

• Ottoman Chain : The accompanying 50cm original silver chain features traditional heavy woven links and a sliding decorative keeper, adding substantial weight and historical completeness to the set.

Condition Summary: Outstanding antique condition. The structural integrity of both silver cases is excellent, with tight hinges and closures. The enamel painting is vibrant and largely intact. The complex verge fusee movement functions perfectly.

Please review all high-resolution images carefully as they serve as a definitive extension of this technical description. It comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $7000