274 - John Barnes - English Verge Watch

John Barnes - English Verge Watch (*) London pair-cased verge pocket watch Movement No. 374, Dimensions 51 mm, circa 1770, Weight 124 g, Origin: England Case: Outer case - silver, smooth, engraved with a heraldic animal. Inner case—silver, smooth, engraved with “John Barnes.” Dial: Enamel. Movement: Fine full-plate movement, chain/fusee, three-arm steel balance. John Barnes was a watchmaker and dealer in late 18th-century London (active around 1780), with a workshop in Clerkenwell, the historic London district that was, at the time, a well-known center for watchmakers, engravers, and craftsmen. He served as a trainer (master) to watchmaking apprentices; records indicate, for example, that notable watchmakers such as William Travers learned the craft from Barnes. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, capable of running, cleaning recommended.