Brass fusee lever movement with gilt engraved cock, gold balance-wheel, diamond endstone and 17 jewels
including the fusee arbor; signed Morris Tobias 31 Minories London No. 5953. Gold dial with gold
appliqué chapter-ring, sunken seconds dial and central engraving of a lakeside scene; blued steel hands.
Substantial gold consular case (with oblong escutcheon for a name or initials, worn engine-turning
on back and engraving around back and bezel and on pendant), probably 18 carat and of American origin;
signed F. D. & Co and marked with the serial number 5953 and an eagle (no other marks). Very small
bow. Shallow bullseye glass. Diameter 50mm.
This ornate watch contrasts strikingly with
the massive duplex watch dating from the other end of Morris Tobias's career; although not by any
means a small watch it is quite slim by British standards, and I suspect it was designed for a lady's
use. The escapement is ‘left-handed’ (click here for other examples). The inclusion of the maker's
address as well as his name usually indicates that he regarded the watch as one of his highest grades.
It is noticeable that, apart from the cock, the movement has never been gilded as was normal; this
treatment seems to have been specific to exported movements.
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