The Pheasant's SecretJames Cox

The Pheasant's SecretJames Cox, London, No. 5827, circa 1775.Very fine and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel, pearl- and precious stone-set, pair-cased, quarter repeating watch with concealed enamel erotic scene. Enamel, small Roman chapter ring set in the centre on white ground with outer minute ring, the borders painted with a continuous scene, depicting a couple taking a walk in the countryside. Blued-steel hands. 23.7 mm o, hinged, gilt brass full plate with column pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, single-footd gilded cock, pierced and engraved with asymmetrical foliage, worm and wheel set-up, repeating on a bell by depressing the pendant.Signed on the dust cap.Diam. 39 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 240-241. Notes This watch is illustrated in 'Les Heures de l'Amour' by Roland Carrera, Editions Scriptar/Antiquorum, Geneva, 1993, p. 27.Cox JamesFor a biography, see page 150.