Pearl Set Gold and Enamel Cylinder with Chatelaine
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This English pocket watch, dating to circa 1780, is presented as an ensemble with a matching chatelaine. The watch features a consular-style case finished with translucent dark blue enamel over a guilloché ground, embellished with split pearls and white enamel detailing.
The reverse of the case contains a central diamond surrounded by pearls, with additional white metal diamond-set decorations. The movement is a full-plate fusee type incorporating a gilded dust cover, an engraved balance cock, a steel regulator, a three-armed steel balance, and a polished steel cylinder escapement with a large brass escape wheel. The white enamel dial is set with radial Arabic numerals and gold arrow-style hands, designed for front-winding.
The accompanying chatelaine displays gold, enamel, pearls, diamonds, a hairwork locket, a seal, and a winding key. The ensemble is stored in a later-period red Moroccan leather case.
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 with chatelaine
- Case style
- Consular
- Escapement
- Cylinder escapement
- Place recorded
- England
- Movement details
- Gilded dust cover
- Chatelaine inclusions
- Gold seal and winding key
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch case is a consular type, characterized by its deep blue translucent enamel applied over a guilloché-engraved gold surface. The decorative scheme is defined by borders of large split pearls and accents of white enamel. The rear of the case incorporates a centerpiece featuring a large diamond surrounded by a ring of pearls, set against a backdrop of white metal diamond-set ornamentation. The front cover is spring-loaded, activated by a button on the oval gold and enamel pendant. The dial is constructed of white enamel and designed for front-winding. It is marked with radial Arabic numerals and utilizes gold arrow-pattern hands.
- Visible features
- • Case features guilloché pattern under translucent dark blue enamel • Integrated chatelaine includes multiple attachments including seal and key • Central diamond and pearl cluster on the case back • Chatelaine contains a locket featuring woven hair
- Movement and Mechanism
- The timepiece is powered by a full-plate fusee movement, a standard configuration for the period, which is equipped with a gilded dust cover to protect the delicate internal components. The balance assembly consists of an engraved pierced balance cock, a steel regulator mounted on the top plate, and a simple three-armed steel balance wheel. The escapement is a polished steel cylinder type, which acts upon a large brass escape wheel. This combination represents the movement technology utilized in the late 18th century to provide timekeeping functionality within decorative, often ornate, cases.
- Chatelaine and Accessories
- The accompanying chatelaine serves as the mounting point for the watch and various functional accessories. It comprises a gold-plated clip attached to an oval gold and enamel cartouche, further decorated with small diamonds. The structure is supported by pearl-strung chains connecting to an octagonal cartouche, which features a woven hair locket framed by diamond chips. Four additional pearl strands suspend two bell-shaped pendants, a gold and enamel seal, and the matching winding key. The entire assembly is housed in a later-period presentation box, finished in red Moroccan leather with a grey velvet lining and a folding support base, providing a protective environment for the complete set.
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: The exact identity of the maker is not stated in the source
- Research required: The provenance of the hairwork locket is not documented