The so-called pendulum watch appeared just before 1700 in England and Holland, and remained popular especially in Holland well into the 18th century. The swinging faux “pendulum” was apparently intended to visually entertain its owner, show that the watch was running, and perhaps was also a reminder of the magic-like technology that was within.

This is a particularly nice Dutch example by Jacobus van der Hegge who was Master of the Dutch clockmakers’ guild from 1762 until 1771. 

See another example with a dial-facing faux pendulum by William Harrison. 

Circa 1725-35 gilt-brass verge and fusee movement signed Jacobus Vand Hegge Haga 147 in outward facing script in a large decorative cartouche on the back plate. Haga means The Hague. Engraved balance table depicting a Dutch man with inset garnets for eyes, and two stylized dolphins. Aperture through the balance displays a large garnet mounted to the balance spring that simulates a swinging pendulum. Four very fine and ornate pierced pillars and decorative fusee stop-work foot.

Silver champlevé dial with Dutch style arcaded minute chapter index with brass pique inserts marking the half hours and innermost hour & half-hour index. Calendar aperture, signed Vand Hegge. The dial center depicts King George I with the Scottish unicorn on his right and a crowned English lion on the left. King George I was the first British monarch of the House of Hanover and therefore the imagery on this dial, which appears on a number of watches from this period, was designed to appeal to clients both on the continent and in England.

Silver pair case. Inner case has a 7-knuckle hinge and very small silver mark (triangle with mythological fish/dolphin) for the city or the province of Termonde, in the South Netherlands (now part of Belgium). Thanks to Doug Caulkins for finding this unusual case mark. Outer case has a 5-knuckle hinge and is unmarked. 57 mm.