William Anthony Gilt Brass and Paste-Set Open-Faced Watch, No. 1940
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1790
This open-faced pocket watch is attributed by the source to William Anthony of London, dating to circa 1790 for the Chinese market. It features a 74 mm two-body case engraved with swags, set with red, green, and white paste stones on the bezels, and backed with carved agate.
The white enamel dial is inscribed 'ANTHONY LONDON' and presents radial Roman numerals, Arabic quarter numerals, gold spade hands, and a large subsidiary seconds dial. According to the source, the calibre 23''' frosted gilt movement incorporates an experimental six-day power reserve driven by twin spring barrels with a duplex escapement.
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
- Enamel, form & pendant watch
- Number
- 1940
- Diameter
- 74 mm
- Escapement
- Duplex escapement
- Bezel stones
- Red, green and white paste
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- William Anthony
- Dial and movement signature
- William Anthony, London
Design
- Visible features
- • Front bezel is set with alternating faceted red, green, and clear paste stones. • White enamel dial displays radial Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track with Arabic quarters, and an oversized subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. • Dial is signed 'ANTHONY LONDON' below 12 o'clock. • Gold-toned spade hands indicate hours and minutes. • Outer metal bezel and pendant display visible tarnishing and wear to the gilt surface.
- Dial Configuration
- The dial is described and observed as white enamel, signed 'ANTHONY LONDON' beneath 12 o'clock. It features radial Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track marked with Arabic numerals at the quarter hours, and gold-toned spade hands. A large subsidiary seconds dial is positioned at 6 o'clock. Visual observation confirms that this subsidiary dial occupies a major portion of the lower dial plane, marked with Arabic increments and minute divisions.
- Identity and Case Construction
- The object is recorded as a large, gilt brass open-faced watch catalogued under number 1940 and dated circa 1790 for the Chinese market. The source lists its dimensions as 74 mm in diameter, with materials comprising brass, chalcedony, and imitation stones. According to the cataloguing description, it features a two-body case engraved with swags, bezels set with red, green, and white paste, an agate back carved with a stylized flower, and a gilt brass dust cover. Visual observation of the front face confirms that the front bezel is set with alternating faceted red, green, and clear paste stones. In addition, the outer metal bezel rim and the pendant display visible tarnishing and wear across the gilded surface.
- Reported Movement and Mechanism
- The internal mechanism is reported by the source as a calibre 23''' frosted gilt full plate movement with ringed cylindrical pillars and foliate engraved backplate furniture. The source notes that both the dial and movement are signed William Anthony, London, and attributes an experimental six-day power reserve movement to the watch. The power train and escapement are documented in the source as dual-wound twin spring barrels secured by a semi-circular bridge sharing a single chain and fusee, maintaining power, a duplex escapement, and a three-arm balance with peripheral timing screws, a blued steel flat balance spring, an index regulator, and a diamond endstone. As the movement is not visible in the provided image, these technical specifications rest entirely on the auction cataloguing text.
Identification
- Serial number
- 1940
- 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 carved agate back and the movement details are reported by the source and cannot be confirmed from the primary front image.
- Research required: The auction house name and specific lot number are truncated in the source text.