Antique Rare Erotic Verge Fusee Silver Pocket Watch, B. Edmunds, London 1823

Antique Erotic Verge-Fusee Pocket Watch. Silver. London, 1823

This fascinating verge fusee pocket watch, made of silver and dated 1823, is a true gem of early English horology. Signed by B. Edmunds – London, one of the most active watchmakers in early 19th-century London, this watch combines technical excellence with a bold and uncommon decorative theme, making it highly collectible. It is an erotic model with dual time indication, a rare complication even in the 19th century, which makes it a prized piece for demanding collectors.

The metal dial, with a silvered background and protected by a clear glass cover, is finely engraved with a night scene blending eroticism and symbolism. At its center stands the figure of a naked woman with a mischievous expression, rising among stars and buildings that suggest an urban skyline. She holds a spear that serves as a pointer toward a small window at the top of the dial. This window houses the dual time mechanism, a rotating system that updates the numbering as the day progresses, offering an alternate reading of time and highlighting its technical value.

The movement, visible when opening the rear lid, is a splendid example of artisanal craftsmanship. It features a key-wound verge fusee escapement, richly decorated with pierced scrollwork, blued screws, and hand-engraved bridges. The main bridge bears the maker’s name and serial number: B. Edmunds, London, No. 51273. The signature is perfectly preserved, certifying the authenticity of the piece.

The silver case, with a suspension loop and a gold-toned spherical crown, retains its original shine and displays British hallmarks inside the back lid, indicating Birmingham and the date 1823. The lids close snugly and show no looseness. The overall condition is good, both aesthetically and mechanically. The watch works well and winds smoothly using the included key.

This piece is accompanied by a magnificent period silver chain with interlocking links and decorative details on one end, in excellent condition. The presence of both chain and key completes a beautifully preserved and original set.

This watch is not only a feat of 19th-century engineering but also a testimony to the bold and provocative aesthetics found in some high-end personal timepieces of the Victorian era. Ideal for antique watch collectors, it also appeals to lovers of erotic art in everyday objects. It would make an impressive addition to a private collection or a unique highlight in a display case.

A rare opportunity to acquire a truly uncommon example, with unusual complications and remarkable historical and artistic significance. A true gem for connoisseurs.

Dimensions: 5 cm (1.96 in)

History of Verge Fusee Watches

Verge fusee watches, also known as “fusee watches,” are one of the most fascinating forms of antique mechanical horology. Their name comes from the chain-and-fusee transmission system that regulated the mainspring’s force as it unwound, ensuring better accuracy. These watches began to be produced in England in the 17th century and reached their peak between the late 18th century and the early 19th, precisely when this example was made.

Erotic watches featuring suggestive or explicit scenes on the dial or mechanism were not uncommon during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially among European aristocrats and wealthy collectors who valued them for both their technical quality and the wit or audacity of their design. These pieces were not shown publicly, but rather kept in private collections or exchanged as luxurious gifts within select circles. The inclusion of a dual time complication adds further rarity, increasing both technical sophistication and practical functionality.

Watchmakers in London, such as B. Edmunds, excelled at crafting these highly decorated watches, using hand engraving, gilt bridges, and blued screws, all signs of English refinement in micromechanics. Today, verge fusee watches are valued not only for their complexity but also for the beauty of their construction and their contribution to the history of portable timekeeping. In international auctions, well-preserved examples with additional complications, such as erotic themes or dual time, command high prices and are highly sought after by collectors.