Gold and Enamel Cylinder Pocket Watch by Brockbanks
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 18th century
This late 18th-century English pocket watch is signed by the London maker Brockbanks. It features a gold consular case decorated with split pearls along the bezel and cloisonné enamel on the reverse.
The black-ground enamel displays a multicolored vase motif with scrolling foliage. The watch is powered by a fire-gilt, full-plate movement utilizing a fusee and chain transmission. The cylinder escapement includes a steel cylinder, a large steel escape wheel, and a three-arm plain steel balance with a blued steel hairspring. The balance cock is intricately pierced and engraved with a small mask on the foot, incorporating a diamond endstone and a silver regulator disc.
The gold dial is engraved with a matted center and carries a sub-dial for hours and minutes with Roman numerals, complemented by blued steel hands and a central seconds hand.
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
- Cylinder pocket watch
- Maker
- Brockbanks (London)
- Dating
- Late 18th century
- Case Type
- Consular
- Decoration
- Split pearls and cloisonné enamel
- Escapement
- Cylinder
- Dial Material
- Gold
- Movement Type
- Full plate, fire gilt
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Brockbanks
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a gold consular-style case. The front bezel is bordered by a continuous row of split pearls. The reverse of the case is decorated with cloisonné-style enamel on a black background, featuring multicolored floral and scrollwork designs set against an engraved surface. A release button integrated into the pendant allows the hinged cover to open. The dial is constructed from gold and features a matted finish with engraved ornamentation. Time is displayed via a recessed sub-dial at the top section, which uses Roman numerals and blued steel hands. A central seconds hand extends from the center of the main dial, which also provides access to the winding mechanism via a hole cut directly through the gold surface.
- Visible features
- • Case features a row of split pearls • Movement utilizes a fusee and chain • Dial incorporates a winding hole directly on the gold plate
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a full-plate design finished with fire-gilt. Power is transmitted through a fusee and chain system. The balance cock is highly decorative, featuring pierced work and an engraved design that includes a small mask detail at the base. It is equipped with a diamond endstone and a silver disc for regulation. The cylinder escapement includes a polished steel cylinder and a large steel escape wheel. The balance assembly consists of a plain three-arm steel balance with a blued steel spiral hairspring. The movement is engraved with the maker's name, Brockbanks, along with the serial number 3072.
- Condition and Maintenance
- The auction description reports that the functional condition of the watch is not stated. Given its 18th-century origins, prospective owners are advised to inspect the integrity of the split pearls and ensure the enamel on the case back is free of cracks. Furthermore, the authenticity and condition of the fusee chain should be verified. Professional servicing, including cleaning and lubrication of the gear train, is recommended before the watch is operated.
Identification
- Serial number
- 3072
- 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: Operating condition is not provided in the source
- Research required: The source recommends inspection of enamel, pearls, and mechanical components