John Ilbery

John Ilbery, London, No. 1084, made for the Chinese market, circa 1780. Very rare and fine gilt brass pair cased, centre seconds, astronomical, quarter striking clock watch. Double body outer, the pearl and green paste-set bezel pierced and chased with foliage decoration, the back set with a silver panel engraved with a Chinese scene. Double body bassine inner, pierced and chased with foliage. White enamel with centre seconds, small eccentric Roman chapter ring, subsidiary dials for the dates and Strike/Silent selection and age of the moon (hair lines). Gold "poker and beetle" hands. Hinged gilt brass full plate double train, with column pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass English English cock with diamond end-stone. Striking train with fixed barrel, quarter striking on a bell. GiIt brass dust cap. Signed on the back plate and dust cap. In good condition. Diam. 68 mm. Notes If William Ilbery is very well known as one of the best maker specialised in luxurious watches for the Chinese market, very little is known about John Ilbery. Therefore it is interesting to point out the similitude between the watch now offered for sale and the earliest production of this eminent maker. It reveals that William was almost certainly the son of John or at least a relative and successor and that watches for the Eastern market were already produced in the workshop in the time of John.