An interesting book: "Early Watches" by T.P. Camerer Cuss

I recently came across the interesting little book "Early Watches" by the late T.P. Camerer Cuss when introduced by a friend to a lovely little Antiques shop, Chalcraft & Sons, in Emsworth, Hampshire.

According to the jacket notes, the late T.P. Camerer Cuss was a well known authority and author of several books on clocks and watches.  He was a fellow of the British Horological Institute and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers.

I've read the little book from cover to cover and now feel I know a little more about the fascinating history of watchmaking.  Of particular relevance to my Kover pocketwatch is the chapter entitled "The Search for Precision 1700-1775" (starts on page 39 in my edition). The following extract is of possible relevance...

"In fact, the Genevan makers as well as the French began the practice of forging London makers' names on their poor-quality productions.  Later in the century, much of the Genevan work was marketed through Amsterdam and sold throughout Europe.  It gave rise to a type of watch known as a 'Dutch forgery'.  These watches frequently carry fictitious, English-sounding names, such as May, Worke and Tarts, with London added, but they can usually be recognised by poor-quality movements, the continental type of balance bridge, inferior repousse cases and an arcaded minute band on the enamel dials.  Not unnaturally the London makers were incensed by this practice, especially as foreign watches were being imported as well."

Food for thought and a little more research...