England, second half of the 18th century, probably between 1753 and 1765.

Elaborately decorated solid brass plate movement with dust cover, each engraved De St. Leu London, with a floral openwork balance cock, profiled movement pillars, spindle escapement, chain, and fusee, key-wound. Enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals, minute track, and Louis XV hands.

The watch and its yellow gold case, engraved on the back with period ornamentation and hallmarked at least 585, feature a clasp and hands set with diamonds mounted in silver. The outer case is made of tortoiseshell. Diameter of the watch: 3.85 cm; diameter of the case: 4.4 cm; diameter of the outer case: 5.1 cm. The watch weighs 72 g, the gold case weighs 18.4 g, for a total of 116 g.

Tested briefly and found to be in working order. Comes with a key (which fits, though it appears to have been replaced). The watch glass is broken; the case clasp no longer locks; the outer case is slightly warped along the top edge of the clasp.

Daniel de St. Leu, a watchmaker of Geneva origin active in London between 1753 and 1797. He received a Royal Warrant in 1765 and was appointed watchmaker to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen of England. The watches produced after his appointment as purveyor to the court are usually engraved with a corresponding inscription. Furthermore, De St. Leu was particularly successful in producing high-quality pocket watches for the Ottoman market. Sale and shipping within the European Union only Enclosed is a note with handwritten biographical information about the watchmaker.