Pearl and Diamond Set Irish Verge with Chatelaine
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1785
This object is an Irish verge pocket watch dating to circa 1785, presented with a matching macaroni-style chatelaine. The watch features a full-plate movement with fire-gilded finish, utilizing a fusee and chain mechanism.
The balance cock is intricately engraved and pierced, fitted with a diamond endstone. Regulation is provided by a silver disc, and the movement includes a three-arm steel balance with a blued steel spiral hairspring. The case is of a consular design, crafted from gold and set with pearls and diamonds. The reverse is decorated with dark blue translucent enamel over a radiating guilloché ground, featuring a central diamond-set ornament encircled by pearls.
The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals in a radial layout, with front-facing winding. It is accompanied by a chatelaine featuring blue enamel links, gold bells, and pearl-set cartouches. The entire set is housed in a modern morocco leather case with velvet lining.
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
- Date
- Circa 1785
- Dial
- White enamel with Arabic numerals and front-winding
- Type
- Verge pocket watch
- Origin
- Ireland
- Movement Type
- Full plate, fire-gilded, fusee and chain
- Balance System
- Steel balance with diamond endstone and silver regulator
- Place recorded
- Ireland
- Case Decoration
- Dark blue translucent enamel with diamond and pearl set
- Chatelaine Style
- Macaroni style with blue enamel and pearl cartouche
Design
- Visible features
- • Case bezel set with split pearls • Radiating guilloché pattern under blue enamel • Central star-shaped diamond ornament on case back • Two bells suspended from the chatelaine
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in a gold consular case characterized by extensive jeweled ornamentation. The bezel is lined with a row of split pearls, providing a contrast to the metallic surface. The reverse of the case features dark blue translucent enamel applied over a guilloché ground, which is engine-turned in a radiating pattern. A central motif is positioned at the back, consisting of a diamond-set ornament surrounded by a border of pearls on an enamel disc. The dial is composed of white enamel with radially arranged Arabic numerals. This design facilitates winding from the front of the watch. The time is indicated by decorative hands crafted from a white metal. The overall composition of the case and dial follows design aesthetics associated with the late eighteenth century.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The internal mechanism is a full-plate movement finished with fire-gilding. It operates via a fusee and chain system, which was a dominant power transmission technology for pocket watches of this period. The escapement relies on a verge mechanism. The regulation and balance components include a three-arm steel balance, a blued steel hairspring, and a silver regulator disc. The balance cock is notable for its intricate pierced and engraved patterns, and it incorporates a diamond endstone as part of the jeweling.
- Chatelaine and Presentation
- The watch is accompanied by a matching macaroni-style chatelaine, which is constructed from gold and accented with blue enamel. The central chain comprises octagonal links bordered in white, and it connects to a spring hook secured by a screw-top fitting. The chatelaine includes two gold bells with conical pendants, adding to the decorative nature of the assembly. The object is presented in a modern case constructed of red morocco leather, featuring a grey velvet lining and an integrated folding stand for display purposes. This housing is noted as being a later addition to the original watch and chatelaine ensemble.
Identification
- 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: Maker is not identified in source
- Research required: Exact original manufacture date suggested as 'circa'