Swiss centre seconds lever for the Chinese market Circa 1860

Gilt, enamel and pearl-set lever watch probably by Fleurier
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A fine Swiss silver-gilt, enamel and pearl set open-faced centre seconds lever pocket watch made for the Chinese market, circa 1860. Frosted gilt-brass movement, entirely foliate engraved Chinese bridge calibre, 10 jewels, standing barrel, straight-line lever escapement with elongated counterpoise, monometallic balance with blued steel winged weights, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator. Hinged and sprung glazed gilt metal cuvette fixed to the movement ring. White enamel dial with narrow Roman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions, and original blued steel quatrefoil hands. The case back is decorated with a painted on enamel bouquet of flowers including roses, peonies, violets and pansies, bezels, pendant and bow set with split pearls, reeded band.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Signed: No name
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Flowers have great symbolic importance for the Chinese. By their form, aspect, and fragrance, they are considered to be 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. The peony, with its generous forms, brilliant colours, and heady fragrance, 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 success in business. 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 symbolism of each flower would have been immediately recognized and appreciated by China’s elite, who would have seen in them a flattering reference to their own wealth and power.