Markwick Markham Borell Triple Case Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1796
This 18k yellow gold triple case pocket watch is attributed to the English firm Markwick Markham Borell, specifically produced for the Turkish market. It features a manual-wind, two-train movement that includes a quarter-striking complication capable of sounding the hours on an internal bell.
The movement is constructed with a 14''' gilded brass caliber, featuring a fusee and chain transmission, a verge escapement, a polished steel monometallic balance, and a blued steel flat hairspring. The aesthetic design is characterized by an intricate, layered case construction: the outermost case is pierced and gilded with a shagreen center, stud decoration, and polychrome enamel borders. The middle case displays floral engravings and a painted enamel scene of a ship within a harbor, while the inner case is pierced and engraved.
The pendant is notably set with a large rose-cut diamond.
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
- Triple case quarter-striking clockwatch
- Year
- Circa 1796
- Caliber
- 14'''
- Diameter
- 57 mm
- Case maker
- Vale Walker
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement Number
- 21976
- Case composition
- 18k yellow gold
- Striking mechanism
- Quarter striking
- Maker / attribution
- Markwick Markham Borell
Design
- Visible features
- • Features a white dial with Turkish numerals • The pendant incorporates a large rose-cut diamond • The middle case features a painted maritime enamel scene • The movement is a two-train design with striking hammers and a bell
- Movement and Complications
- The timekeeping and striking functions are powered by a two-train movement, designed to sound the hours on an internal bell using a pair of striking hammers. The movement is built on a 14''' gilded brass caliber, utilizing a traditional English fusee and chain mechanism to ensure consistent force delivery to the gear train. The escapement is of the verge type, paired with a polished steel monometallic balance and a blued steel flat hairspring. The visual finish of the movement includes an English-style cock that is pierced and engraved, consistent with 18th-century English horological standards for this grade of watch.
- Documentation and Condition
- The object is identified by the auction description as a product of Markwick Markham Borell, signed on both the dial and the movement. The case is attributed to the maker Vale Walker, indicated by the initials 'VW' found on the components. The movement is assigned the serial number 21976. The auction house assesses the overall condition of the movement as requiring professional attention, recommending a full overhaul. The case is described as being in good condition with minor restoration, and the dial is also rated as good. All original hands are reported to be present.
- Case Construction and Decoration
- The outer case is elaborately decorated, featuring gilded, pierced metalwork overlaid with a central panel of shagreen and stud ornamentation. The border of this outer case is embellished with polychrome enamel work featuring floral motifs. The middle case continues the decorative theme with extensive floral engraving and additional polychrome enamel accents. Its centerpiece is a detailed miniature painting on enamel depicting a ship located in a calm Mediterranean harbor. The innermost case is also constructed from 18k gold and features pierced, engraved metalwork. A large rose-cut diamond is set into the winding pendant, completing the ornate presentation of the outer casing.
Identification
- Serial number
- 21976
- 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 auction description suggests a need for an overhaul of the movement
- Research required: The exact level of restoration to the case is not specified beyond being slightly restored