Lot 286

Windmills & Bennet, London, Movement No. 8035, Case No. 8035, 50 mm, 132 g, circa 1720
An English pair-cased quarter repeating verge pocket watch with "repoussé" decoration "The Four Seasons"
Case: outer case - 22K gold, "repoussé" decoration, pierced band. Inner case - 22k gold, rear bell, pierced band. Dial: enamel. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 hammers, three-arm brass balance.
The Repoussé ornamentation on the back shows four cartouches near the edge with chased figures symbolising the four stages of life, i.e., the four seasons. The cartouches are surrounded by open-work sections with baroque-style acanthus garlands. The centre is engraved with an English coat of arms. The edge of the inner case is similarly pierced and ornamented with acanthus, fantasy birds and mascarons.
According to Brian Loomes, watchmaker Thomas Windmills of London (born in 1672) began training with his father Joseph Windmills in 1687; Joseph Windmills was considered one of the best makers in London in the late 17th century. In 1714 Thomas worked with his father, before entering a partnership with Bennet around 1725.

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