Swiss gold cylinder watch for the Chinese market Circa 1790

Gold and pearl-set pocket watch with visible movement
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A very fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold and pearl-set open faced cylinder pocket watch with visible movement made for the Chinese market, circa 1790. Retailed by Edward Darvill, London. Entirely foliate engraved movement, Chinese calibre, standing barrel, cylinder escapement, five-arm polished steel balance, flat balance spring, index regulator. White enamel dial, annular with Roman numerals, outer minute divisions and Arabic 15-minute numerals, the centre exposing the engraved front plate of the movement and original gold heart hands. Polished case, glazed on both sides, the bezels set with split pearls. Movement signed Edw.d Darvill.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Signed: No name
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No watchmaker by the name of Edward Darvill appears to be recorded. However, a silversmith by that name is recorded in London at the end of the 18th century. This watch is undoubtedly Swiss made and it is therefore likely that it was sold through the shop of Edward Darvill for export to the Far East. Watches made for export were regarded as more desirable when bearing a London name due to the perception that goods from London were always of a higher quality.