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Watches that automatically strike the hours are known as clock-watches. They were sold to wealthy patrons who could afford to pay two to three times the price of a standard watch that just displayed the time.
This is an early Quare example and dates to about 1685. Gilt brass full plate verge movement with floral engraved and pierced balance cock with an urn at the juncture of the small unboardered foot. Notice the silver strike count wheel on the back of the movement that is engraved with a rosette at the center. It also has a passing strike for the half-hours.
The movement has three tulip and 2 baluster pillars, and is engraved “D. Quare, London, 496.” All early Quare watches that I have seen have 5 pillars. Fabulous dial signed "Quare" with one-hand. The silver case was likely replaced when the original wore out sometime in the early 18th century. It is unmarked. 54mm.
Additional References and recommended reading:
Cecil Clutton and George Daniels, Watches (New York: Viking Press, 1965). See figures 198-9 and 203-4 that show two 6-hour dial watches with serial numbers #441 and #699 with similar movement designs.
Brian Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain, 1286-1700, Mayfield Books, 2014
See NAWCC Forums for a discussion about this watch.
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