William Anthony (attributed) 'Diamond Rosette' Pocket Watch, retailed by Just & Lane, No. 1855
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1800
Catalogued as lot 216 and dated circa 1800, this 18K gold pocket watch is attributed by the source to William Anthony and recorded as retailed by Just and Lane under number 1855.
Measuring 47 mm in diameter, the three-body 'Directoire' case carries mastermark GB. The case back displays translucent imperial blue enamel over engine-turning, mounted with an applied rosette set with rose-cut diamonds surrounding a larger central diamond. Split pearls line the bezels, pendant, and bow, framed by azure and red enamel accents. The source notes a white enamel dial with Roman numerals, a hinged gold cuvette, and a gilt-brass Chinese calibre duplex movement featuring scrolling foliage chasing.
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 1800
- Type
- Enamel, form & pendant watch
- Diameter
- 47 mm
- Attribution
- Attributed to William Anthony
- Case Decoration
- Translucent Imperial blue enamel over engine-turning with diamond-set rosette
- Movement Calibre
- Chinese calibre with duplex escapement
- Maker / attribution
- Attributed to William Anthony
- Retailer and Number
- Just and Lane, No. 1855
Design
- Visible features
- • Translucent cobalt blue guilloché enamel case back overlaid with an applied gold and diamond-set floral rosette. • Central rose-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller rose-cut diamonds and scrolling floral tendrils set with accent stones. • Bezel rim, pendant neck, and oval bow are set with continuous rows of split pearls. • Outer border features concentric bands of geometric chevron enamel in azure, white, and red.
- Identity and Attribution
- Catalogued in the Antiquorum Geneva sale on May 14, 2017 as lot 216, this 18K gold pocket watch is attributed by the cataloguer to William Anthony under the heading titles ''DIAMOND ROSETTE'' and ''DIAMOND SNOWFLAKE''. The lot description notes it as retailed by Just and Lane under number 1855, with an estimated production date of circa 1800. The cataloguer records a three-body 'Directoire' case bearing mastermark GB. The attribution to William Anthony is documented as a cataloguer attribution rather than an explicit maker signature recorded on the dial or movement.
- Reported Movement and Dial Details
- The cataloguer describes a white enamel dial with radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, and gold hands. Because only the case back is shown in the provided photograph, these dial details rely entirely on the auction description. The internal mechanism is reported as a gilt-brass Chinese calibre derived from the Lépine layout, decorated with chased scrolling foliage. The mechanical specification notes a free-standing barrel, duplex escapement, a plain flat five-arm polished steel balance, a flat balance spring, and a diamond end-stone.
- Case Construction and Exterior Decoration
- The 47 mm case is described as an 18K gold and enamel construction set with pearls and diamonds. The visible case back features translucent cobalt blue guilloché enamel over engine-turning, mounted with an applied gold and diamond-set floral rosette centered on a larger rose-cut diamond and accent stones. The outer perimeter of the back displays an azure enamel frame with red enamel accents. Split pearls line the bezels, pendant neck, and bow. The source also records a hinged gold cuvette fixed to the movement ring.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1855
- 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 dial, cuvette, movement, and interior hallmarks are not visible in the provided photograph and rely entirely on source reporting.
- Research required: The attribution to William Anthony is an expert attribution recorded by the auction house rather than a signed maker signature.