Verge Fusee Pocket Watch with Chatelain and Matching Outer Case by John Georg Buson England CA1750
ITEM-1223-AI
Product Details
Verge Fusee Pocket Watch with Chatelaine & Matching Outer Case by John Georg Buson c.1750 | England
Offered here is an outstanding English Verge Fusee pocket watch by John Georg Buson, dating to approximately 1750. Complete with its original matching outer case and elegant chatelaine, this remarkable timepiece represents the height of eighteenth-century English watchmaking. Surviving examples retaining all three original components—the inner watch, protective outer case, and chatelaine—are increasingly scarce and highly prized by advanced collectors.
The watch is housed within a beautifully crafted 45mm sterling silver swing-out case, accompanied by its matching nickel protective outer case. The complete ensemble measures approximately 5½ inches in overall length when suspended from the chatelaine. Rich floral engraving, barleycorn borders, geometric patterns, repoussé decoration, and finely executed cherub motifs combine to create an exceptional display of eighteenth-century decorative artistry.
The crisp white porcelain dial features traditional Roman numerals with elegant spade hands, providing a timeless appearance that perfectly complements the elaborate casework. Minor imperfections are present beneath the bezel, remaining hidden when the watch is closed and having little impact on its attractive presentation.
Powering the watch is a signed gilt full-plate movement utilizing the classic Verge & Fusee escapement. During the eighteenth century, the fusee mechanism was the premier solution for delivering consistent power from the mainspring, while the verge escapement remained the dominant portable timekeeping system. Together they represent one of the most important chapters in the history of mechanical watchmaking.
The overall condition is impressive. The case is graded C3 (Very Good), the dial D3-46 (Very Good), with minor chips or hairlines concealed beneath the bezel, and the movement M3 (Very Good). This exceptional watch also carries a Rarity Rating of R8, indicating that it is a seldom-encountered example deserving of serious collector attention.
Collectors rarely encounter a complete English Verge Fusee retaining its original chatelaine and matching outer case. The combination of historical importance, outstanding decorative workmanship, signed movement, and remarkable originality makes this John Georg Buson watch an extraordinary addition to any advanced collection of early English or European horology.
Watch Details
Make
- Maker: John Georg Buson
- Country: England
- Type: Man's Pocket Watch
- Circa: c.1750
Complication
- Early Verge Fusee Timepiece
Case
- Material: Sterling Silver Inner Case with Matching Nickel Outer Case
- Size: 45mm (approximately 10 Size)
- Overall Length: Approximately 5½ inches including Chatelaine
- Style: Swing-Out Case with Matching Outer Case
- Decorations: Floral, Barleycorn, Geometric, Repoussé and Cherub Motifs
- Condition: C3 — Very Good Condition
Dial
- Material: White Porcelain
- Numerals: Roman Numerals
- Hands: Spade Hands
- Condition: D3-46 — Very Good Condition (Minor chip(s) or hairline(s) beneath bezel, not visible when closed)
Movement
- Setting: Key Set
- Escapement: Verge & Fusee
- Finish: Gilt
- Layout: Full Plate
- Signed: Yes
- Condition: M3 — Very Good Condition
Rarity
- Rarity Rating: R8 (Rare on a scale of 1–10)
A truly special English Verge Fusee housed in an exceptional chatelaine with its matching outer case. An outstanding collector's watch that combines historical significance, rarity, and remarkable eighteenth-century craftsmanship.
