Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous piece of horology, a Dutch-crafted verge escapement polychrome pocket watch in a silver repousse case, 57mm, decorated with a classical scene to the back, and foliage to the bezel and sides. This piece was designed for a Naval Officer, as is evident by the scene painted on the face. This piece is signed by Gerrit Rensman of Zwol, a well-known Dutch watchmaker of the 18th Century. The Verge escapement dates to the 13th Century, and the first Verge Fusee pocket watch was first introduced in the 17th Century, quickly becoming a symbol of the rich & wealthy, being used up until the 19th Century. Inspired by the winches and counter balances of the rigging of sailing ships, this method was used to refine the timekeeping of the movement by regulating the speed at which the mainspring unwinds. It is only proper then that this piece be utilized by a Naval Officer.

This watch comes with two replacement keys that we have tested as being able to wind this piece. The key numbered 0 can be used to wind the regulator disc, while the key numbered 7 can be used to wind the interior lock. From what we have attempted, the watch did begin to function, however we cannot guarantee long term functionality of the watch. Please note that there is no warranty for this watch and returns for a non-working watch will not be honored. We are not in the watch repair business - ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

The interior workings of this watch features four wonderful and very unusual architectural pillars and a large silver regulator disk. A gilded verge escapement was standard for Gerrit Rensman of Zwol, Holland, the maker of this intricate piece of societal status. The dial is an enamel polychrome with a gilt ribbed rim. The dial is beautifully painted with a naval scene, depicting a sailor of the Royal Navy & his pipe, with a ship flying the British Naval ensign in the background. Opening the inner case reveals the true “guts” of this piece, the back of which is engraved & signed by Gerrit Rensman Zwol. 

The outer case of the watch is a deep silver case lined with a small circular cut piece of a postcard that is certainly of the period when this watch would have been used. It was common to keep a small buffer like this in between the inner & outer case of the verge fusee. There is a small hole on the back of the inner case meant for the key that winds this watch, numbered 7.

The condition of the pocket watch is fair overall. There is some fading to the arcaded chapter ring, and some light scratches but no hairlines. This example is missing its key, which would allow the watch to be wound. We are unsure of the watch’s workability at present, but a key might be all it needs to begin ticking. Some preliminary tests show that it will tick if prompted. There is some wear to the high points on the back, and some signs of old repairs to the bezel and rims. The catch, catch button and hinge are fine. The hinge has the central sleeve detached but the bezel snaps shut nicely. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is also fine.

This repousse case is unusual, in that it is cast rather than hammered repousse work.
This results in a much heavier case, and is more commonly found in Dutch silver cases.

The verge fusee pocket watch is world-renowned for its unique design, which includes a verge escapement, a chain-driven fusee mechanism, and a balance wheel. These components work together to ensure accurate timekeeping. The Fusee is a rare type of movement that runs not just on coiled springs, but also employs a grooved cone wound with a tiny chain, which coils around another post in a pulley system. Inspired by the winches and counter balances of the rigging of sailing ships, this method was used to refine the timekeeping of the movement by regulating the speed at which the mainspring unwinds.

Verge fusees inevitably speed up over time because of the wear to the mating surfaces. The soft brass teeth of the crown wheel become flattened against the steel paddles on the balance staff, decreasing the amount of time between impulses and causing the movement to run faster. Some of this can be corrected, allowing reasonable accuracy to within a few minutes per day. There is also slight compression around the band. The watch has its original stem, though the bow may be a later addition.
 
Gerrit Rensman is listed in Zwol, Holland in the early 18th century. There are several known examples of verge escapement pocket watches by him, as well as grandfather style clocks. This particular example is unique, with a one-of-a-kind painted face & escapement, with many small details not found on his other examples. This piece dates to the 1720s or 1730s. 

This is an absolutely stellar example of one of the scarcest styles of pocket watches in history, the verge fusee. This example is signed & is ready for further research, use, and display.