Unsigned (Ilbery

Unsigned (Ilbery, London), made for the Chinese Market, circa 1790. Important and very fine 18K gold, enamel and hardstone center-seconds watch, with special escapement. Hexagonal, polished frame, inset with 12 panels of cornelian and agate, back centred with a large panel of dendritic agate within a split-pearl frame, paillonne enamelled floral decoration over a black ground on four small triangular panels, pendant, and bowl. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer minute and seconds ring. Gold "spade" hands and counterpoised center seconds. 14 -, gilt brass, Chinese calibre with free standing barrel, single wheel Duplex escapement, plain polished steel five-arm balance, flat balance spring and diamond end-stone. Inscription around the movement inside the case: Unscrew the front bissel (bezel) to take the watch out. Dim. 90 x 58 mm. Notes Few watches of this type are known to exist, all of them were produced by Ilbery for the Chinese market. Of different shapes, the cases were all made with agate panels. Although it is not signed, this watch can be attributed to the celebrated maker of watches for the Chinese Market.