Ilbery Chinese Market Center Seconds Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1810
This 18-karat gold and enamel center seconds watch, numbered 6299, was manufactured by Ilbery in London, circa 1810, specifically for the Chinese market. Measuring 58 mm in diameter, the watch features a double-body construction with champlevé enamel decoration applied to the fixed bezel, pendant, and bow.
The case back displays a pastoral scene of domestic life depicting three young women and a boy reading a letter, painted in the manner of Richter; the auction description reports slight restoration on the border. The movement is a 22-ligne gilt brass Chinese caliber with full engraving, featuring a free-standing barrel, a single-wheel duplex escapement, and a three-armed steel balance equipped with three trapezoidal weights and screws, a flat balance spring, and a diamond end-stone.
The watch has a white enamel dial with Roman numerals and pierced gold hands, complemented by a gold hinged cuvette with engraved decoration.
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
- Center seconds pocket watch
- Maker
- Ilbery
- Market
- Chinese
- Diameter
- 58 mm
- Material
- 18 ct. gold and enamel
- Condition
- Very good
- Escapement
- Single wheel duplex
- Movement Type
- Chinese caliber
- Serial Number
- 6299
- Place recorded
- London
- Maker / attribution
- Ilbery
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in an 18-karat gold double-body case, measuring 58 millimeters in diameter. The fixed bezel, pendant, and bow are adorned with champlevé enamel work. The case back features a painted pastoral scene depicting three maids and a boy engaged with a letter. The auction description notes that this painting is executed in the manner of Richter, with some restoration present on the enamel border. The dial is constructed of white enamel and displays Roman numerals for time indication, paired with pierced gold hands. A gold hinged cuvette with engraved decoration is positioned internally to protect the movement.
- Visible features
- • Champlevé enamel decoration on the fixed bezel, pendant, and bow • Pastoral scene on the case back showing a group of figures • White enamel dial with Roman numerals and pierced gold hands • Double-body gold case construction
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 22-ligne gilt brass mechanism designed to the Chinese caliber standard. It is fully engraved and features a free-standing barrel. The watch employs a single-wheel duplex escapement. The oscillation is managed by a three-armed steel balance fitted with three trapezoidal weights and screws, utilizing a flat balance spring and a diamond end-stone. The signature is found on the movement itself.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description categorizes the condition of the watch as very good. It is attributed to the maker Ilbery, based in London, and assigned a manufacturing date of circa 1810. The production is explicitly associated with the Chinese market, a known destination for Ilbery's output during this period. The painted decorative elements on the case are attributed to the style of Richter, though this attribution remains subjective based on the painting technique rather than a signed work by the artist.
Identification
- Serial number
- 6299
- 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 painted enamel scene is described as being in the manner of Richter, not necessarily by him
- Research required: The auction description reports slight restoration on the border of the enamel scene