English duplex watch made for the Chinese market Circa 1860

Gold, enamel and pearl-set duplex with centre seconds by Just & Son
–
A very fine English 18 carat gold, enamel and pearl-set open faced centre seconds duplex pocket watch made for the Chinese market, circa 1860. Gilt Chinese calibre fully engraved, standing barrel, jewelled duplex escapement, three-arm steel balance with blued steel segments, blued steel flat balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator. Gold cuvette hinged to the movement ring, with engraved border. D. Convex white enamel, radial narrow Roman numerals, outer minute/ seconds divisions with fifteen-minute/seconds Arabic numerals and original gold ovoid hands. The case back is finely painted on enamel with a bouquet of early summer flowers, including peonies, tulips and chrysanthemums, against a translucent green guilloché enamel ground, the bezels, pendant and bow set with split pearls, engraved band. Movement signed.
–
Diameter: 59 mm
–
Signed: Just & Son London
–
Flowers have great symbolic importance for the Chinese. By their form, aspect and fragrance, they are considered highly spiritual, reflecting the profound nature of the Chinese people.
–
Poems and proverbs show the cultural importance of flowers: ‘There is no flower without beauty in the world, ‘A flower gives us a glimpse of paradise. Certain flowers have a particular significance. The lotus symbolizes purity, the chrysanthemum perseverance, the plum blossom integrity, etc. With its generous forms, brilliant colours, and heady fragrance, the peony became the most important flower for the Chinese. It is considered to symbolize wealth, nobility, power, and happiness. Known as the ‘queen of flowers, the peony symbolizes wealth and distinction. Paintings of flowers are often hung in Chinese homes for good luck and in offices to bring business success. The deep and rich symbolism the Chinese attached to flowers made them an ideal subject for expensive watches and those destined for exalted patrons, even for the Emperor himself. The flower’s symbolism would have been immediately recognized and appreciated by China’s elite, who would have seen in them a flattering reference to their wealth and power.