C. Marcks & Co. 18K Gold and Diamond Phoenix Brooch Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This Swiss-origin lapel watch, dated by the seller to circa 1890, features a sculptural phoenix case crafted in 18K yellow and white gold adorned with diamonds along its wings and tail.
According to the seller, the phoenix's body hinges forward to reveal a compact 10-jewel manual-wind movement and an original white enamel dial marked with black Roman numerals. The watch hangs via gold chain links from a matching diamond-set brooch pin. The case back is signed 'C. Marcks & Co, Bombay & Poona', reflecting retail distribution for the Indian market.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Brooch lapel watch
- Case material
- 18K white and yellow gold with diamonds
- Case signature
- C. Marcks & Co, Bombay & Poona
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial description
- Original white enamel dial with black Roman numerals
- Maker / attribution
- C. Marcks & Co.
- Movement jewel count
- 10 jewels
Design
- Visible features
- • Sculptural textured yellow-gold phoenix figure perched on an oval watch casing • Wings and plumage pavé-set with diamonds in white gold or platinum-toned mountings • Suspended via four articulated gold suspension loops and a drop link from an ornate diamond-set brooch pin with an exposed pin stem • Portion of a white dial partially visible behind the phoenix's wing
- Retailer and Origin
- The case back is signed 'C. Marcks & Co, Bombay & Poona'. The source indicates this signature reflects the watch's intended market. The seller describes the item as a Swiss lapel watch and assigns it to the Victorian era.
- Physical Configuration
- The timepiece is designed as a lapel watch featuring a sculptural phoenix figure crafted in 18K white and yellow gold. The wings and tail are adorned with diamonds, and the figure hinges forward to reveal the watch dial. The assembly includes a diamond-set brooch pin from which the watch is suspended. The internal dial is white enamel with black Roman numerals.
- Condition and Maintenance
- The seller reports that the timepiece has undergone a complete restoration and carries an 18-month warranty. Observation of the dial and movement is restricted in the closed configuration, relying on the seller's reported specifications for the 10-jewel manual movement.
Identification
- SKU
- SSHO 115A
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The dial interior, hands, and movement are largely obscured by the sculpted phoenix body in this closed view
- Research required: Movement jewel count and case back signature are reported by the source and cannot be confirmed from the front photograph