Nicholas Prevost Gold Repoussé Pair-Cased Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1728-1729
This pair-cased pocket watch, numbered 3015 and signed by Nicholas Prevost of London, is constructed with an outer repoussé gold case and an inner polished gold case.
The outer case features a landscape scene depicting Venus and Cupid, framed by a strapwork border and additional floral and scroll motifs. The inner case displays the master mark 'IR' and contains movement hallmarks consistent with 1728-1729. The dial is constructed of gold with a matted finish, featuring champlevé radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track with Arabic numerals. The watch movement utilizes gilded plates, square baluster pillars, a fusee and chain mechanism, and a verge escapement.
It also includes a three-arm balance with a flat balance spring and a pierced, engraved balance cock. The time is indicated by blued steel beetle and poker hands. The total diameter of the watch is 50 mm, with a movement diameter of 37 mm.
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
- Pair cased pocket watch
- Maker
- Nicholas Prevost
- Hallmarks
- London, 1728-1729
- Dimensions
- 50 mm
- Master Mark
- IR
- Movement Type
- Verge escapement
- Serial Number
- 3015
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Nicholas Prevost
- Outer Case Decoration
- Venus and Cupid
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The dial is made of gold and features a matted surface texture. The time display consists of radial Roman numerals executed in the champlevé technique. The layout includes an inner quarter-hour track and an outer minute ring that utilizes Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The display is completed by a set of blued steel beetle and poker hands, which are identified as original to the watch. The dial is signed by the maker, Nicholas Prevost of London, directly on the surface. The visibility of these elements confirms the integration of the dial with the movement, reflecting the specific design configuration for this numbered instrument.
- Visible features
- • Outer case back depicts Venus and Cupid in a landscape • Dial includes a separate inner quarter-hour ring • Movement features a worm and wheel setup for regulation • Case design incorporates matching repoussé decoration on the bezel
- Movement Specifications
- The movement is constructed with gilded plates and incorporates square baluster pillars. Power is managed via a fusee and chain, which drives the verge escapement. Regulation and timing are achieved through a three-arm balance equipped with a flat balance spring containing three turns. The balance cock is both pierced and engraved, featuring decorative streamers. The movement also includes a worm and wheel setup for adjustment. Like the dial, the movement is signed by Nicholas Prevost and bears the serial number 3015.
- Case Construction and Decoration
- The watch is housed in a pair-case configuration composed of gold. The outer case is a two-body, bassine-style construction featuring extensive repoussé work. The back of this outer case displays a detailed scene of Venus and Cupid set within a landscape. The composition is surrounded by a strapwork border, complemented by an outer edge decorated with floral and scroll motifs. The matching bezel design continues this decorative theme. The inner case is also a two-body, bassine-style gold housing, finished with a polished surface. It bears the master mark 'IR' and London hallmarks dated to 1728-1729, which provide a chronological anchor for the object's manufacture. The assembly measures 50 mm in diameter, with the internal movement measuring 37 mm.
Identification
- Serial number
- 3015
- 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: Movement is described as requiring an overhaul
- Research required: Verification of the master mark 'IR' origin is not provided