English 18 carat gold and enamel duplex watch Circa 1820

Large duplex watch for the Chinese market
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An important, exceptionally large gold and enamel duplex watch for the Chinese market, made by William Ilbery in London, England, circa 1820. This exceptional watch features a rare 18 carat gold and enamel case lavishly decorated with 900 natural oriental pearls, a polished gold overlay on the reverse in the form of a swirling sunburst motif and a spring loaded cuvette. The white enamel dial features an outer track for the seconds, minutes and hours, with Arabic 15 second and minute numerals, Roman hour numerals and the original gold hands. The numbered movement is equipped with a numbered Ilbery duplex escapement and a diamond end stone.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Weight: 176 g
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Signed: Ilbery
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Illbery
William Ilbery (circa 1760-1839)  is one of the best known manufacturers of enamel watches of the highest quality made for the Chinese market around 1800. Most of these items have smooth cases with very fine enamel paintings. Some cases also have a border of oriental pearls. However, it is extremely rare for pearls to make up the entire case design.