Please help identify 18c Fusee watch with Large jewels!

[dondidio]

Don't know much about these old time pieces but was fascinated by the handwork and couldn't resist bidding at the estate sale. Had a couple before but never one with such large ruby jewels that seem to do nothing more than adorn the plate. No makers name, no hallmarks but there was a tag on the bow having it as dated 1791. How whoever got that date is unknown. The plate measures about 46mm, the pillars could date it to the 18th century but....if you have any ideas on what the jewels were for, possibly where it was made and when it dates to, Please share! Thank you.

 

[RON in PA]

It's Swiss or French in origin. If it was English the pillars would indicate 1770 or earlier, but I don't think that applies here. 1791 is about as good a guess as any, but it's a guess.

 

[gmorse]

Hi dondidio,

This is a Continental piece, probably French or Swiss, and it is at first sight a late 18th century watch, but I have my doubts about the date. The "A" and "R" on the regulator disc seem like a later feature, and the style of the engraving on the slide plate, (the pierced and engraved plate with the "rubies" screwed onto the top plate; they're just decorative by the way, and could well be paste), and the cap, both feel like 19th century work. The visible screws look quite recent, although they may be replacements. I can't see any sign of a chain on the fusee; does the watch run?

Regards,

Graham

 

[dondidio]

No chain, watch does not run. Thanks!