G.E Demeza, 95 Strand, London

[Chris Radek]

Dear friends, I have a very nicely made and well preserved verge with second hand and hack. I can find no sign that the movement and case haven't always been together, but I'm still unsure I've read the date correctly. Can you please have a look and tell me what you think about the origins and date? I have included all the marks from the cap and pendant, a look at the hack, pillars and barrel hook, and whatever else I could. I'm happy to take more of any feature. Thank you!

 

[Les harland]

The Hall mark looks like 1817-18 to me

 

[John Matthews]

I can confirm 1817/18 as identified by Les.

The case maker is {WR incuse} is that of William Rowlands, 13 Harper Street, who registered this mark 10/06/1817 at the London assay office. The pendant maker's mark is that of Joseph Field, pendant maker, of 9 St James's Street, Clerkenwell, who registered the mark {J·F in a rectangular cartouche with cut corners} on 6/06/1807, but by January 1810, he had moved to 7 Red Lion Square, also in Clerkenwell.

The cap maker's mark {RE in a rectangular cameo} is one that is commonly found on cap associated with quality London finished movements, signed by the like of BARWISE, John CROSS, DWERRIHOUSE, FRENCH and PENNINGTON. I believe the mark to be that of Robert Edwards, who appears to have been active from the date of your watch, until at least the middle of the 1820's.

I am not familiar with the signature on the movement. In 1818, that address is identified in an 1818 directory so ...



However, George Demez, is listed in Loomes as being based in London between 1825 & 1828. He is not listed in trade directories of 1822/23, but he is listed at that address, in Pigots 1825 directory under watch and clock makers.



I think the history, of this well finished and cased London watch, is worthy of further research. A good find.

John

 

[gmorse]

Hi Chris,

Yes, a good find indeed, with a dial bearing only the faintest of hairlines and what are very probably the original gold hour and minute hands. I'm not so sure about the seconds hand, but it's a pretty good match, and they were always the more vulnerable, placed as they were right next to the case bolt.

The case is rather unusual, with the very narrow band and the bold milling decoration extending over the bezel and back; an ornamentation typical of the Regency period but not often seen applied like this.

Regards,

Graham

 

[Chris Radek]

Wow, thank you all, for your research and response. That is also how I read the year, but I was uneasy because the case and movement both feel later than that. It's a very "modern"/late looking verge to me, and I was having trouble convincing myself that it made sense all together. I appreciate you all!

A friend mentioned upon hearing the date that this watch was probably worn to some of Beethoven's premieres in London. I will wear it today and bring in the new year. It reliably keeps time within a minute or two a day, either sitting or worn.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Benjamin E.]

I believe that's a consular case, wherein there's no visible band, the bezel and case back meeting in the middle. Early pocket chronometers used this style of case frequently. Very cool to see. EDIT: there is a band and I wasn't wearing my glasses. Still a very cool case.
Can you please post a picture of the back?

 

[Chris Radek]

It does have a thin band, barely enough to make the hinges. It has an interesting engraving too!