52,500 CHF
Ilbery, London, No. 6900, Swiss, made for the Chinese Market, circa 1820. Very fine and extremely rare 18K gold and enamel, pearl-set, centre-seconds watch with special escapement. Double body, Empire, the split-pearl set bezel, pendant and bow with blue and azure champleve enamelled decoration the scarlet flinque enamelled band with split-pearl inlaid decoration, the enamel back panel painted with the portrait of a Chinese noble lady on a balcony in a Chinese landscape. Hinged gilt-brass glazed cuvette. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer minutes and seconds ring. Gold "spade" hands. Gilt brass, fully engraved Chinese calibre with free standing barrel, single wheel duplex escapement, plain steel five-arm balance, flat balance spring with regulator, diamond end-stone. Signed on the movement. Diam. 58 mm Notes William Ilbery, London, recorded as working from 1780, diecl 1839. Specialised in watches for the Chinese Market, and worked closely with contacts itt Switzerland both for movements and enamel work. Strong commercial and diplomatic ties between Britain and the Chinese court ensured that many watches, despite being of Swiss origin, were signed with English names and marked London. Even the exceptionally talented Jaquet-Droz established a branch in London to take advantage of the China trade. The best period of watchmaking for the Chinese Market coincides with Ilbery's success - 1 790 - 1830 - and with the work of the finest enamel artists - Dupont, Richter Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1998-10-31
