Jefferys & Jones

Jefferys & Jones, casemaker's mark IM incuse for Jonah Mince, hallmarked London, 1809. Spectacular 18 ct. gold, enamel and diamond pair-cased, quarter repeating watch with matching chatelaine in original fitted Morocco box. Notes Jefferys Lot Jonesrecorded as having been active in London, Cockspur Street, before 1776 until circa 1810 . Well-known watchmakers of richly decorated watches.Judging from the high quality of the diamonds, this watch can be compared to the famous one owned by Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, who received it as a gift from Louis XVI. Diamonds of this size are hardly ever found as elements of case decoration. The impressive outer case is another indication that no effort was spared to make sure that the watch would be of the highest standards.It has been said that the initials AW on the outer case are those of the Right Honourable Sir Arthur Wellesley. He was made Viscount Wellington the same year of the making of this watch. In the same year, he was given the title of Duke of Cuidad Rodrigo by Spain and the title of Marquis of Torres by Portugal. In 1814 he became the first Duke of Wellington and a year later was given the title of Prince of Waterloo by The Netherlands. We can assume that this watch with chatelaine, dated 1809 by thhallmarks, commemorates the occasion of his becoming Viscount Wellington.