Verge Fusee Watch - Paris 1750-1770 250 year old watch in running condition Start Price USD 49.95 Current Price USD 285.00 Time Left - Bid Count 13 Buy It Now Price USD 280.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, October 01, 2008 End Time Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Location Lansdale, Pennsylvania See more about 'Verge Fusee Watch - Paris 1750-1770' Description French Verge Fusee Watch - 1750-1770's Paris This is a 250+ year old watch with a verge and crown wheel escapement which was the first type of escapement used in pocket watches. It was a carryover from clock technology and they were never great timekeepers, although expectations weren't great at that time. Having a small mechanical device ticking away in your vest pocket was still pretty miraculous in the mid 1700's. The mainspring provides power through a tiny chain to a fusee - a cone shaped gear with a spiral track, to provide more even power over time. This watch is unmarked, but is identical in design to other watches made in Paris from 1750-1770. It's in running condition, but gains about 1/2 hour in 3 hours. It runs fine until wound fully down. Both the movement and case are chased and engraved with interesting decoration. It has a bulls-eye high crystal. The case is probably coin silver, and has a hallmark that I haven't been able to identify. It's in excellent condition although the crystal has some scuffing in the high spots. The dial has some edge chips, but looks nice. The watch is 55mm in diameter (2.17in.) and 22mm thick (.87in.) This is a great example of 18th century watchmaking - pre American revolution, from about the time George Washington moved to Mount Vernon. Thanks for bidding,  ReidOn Oct-04-08 at 06:33:37 PDT, seller added the following information:I've added a close-up photo of the maker's mark (possibly the case maker's mark) and it looks like it may have been double struck. Now it looks like a W or 2 V's ?? I'll let you decide.  -Reid Place a Bid!