English 18 carat gold and enamelled verge watch Circa 1770

Double cased watch “en grisaille”
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A very fine gold and enamel double cased verge watch “en grisaille” with very fine painting, made by James Upjohn in London, England, circa 1770. This watch features an 18 carat double case with London Hallmarks from 1770 and a splendidly enamelled outer case with a very fine painting, depicting a neoclassical urn with handles in the shape of a putto on a pink background. The numbered movement is equipped with a verge escapement.
The movement is signed.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Weight: 80 g
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Signed: Jas Upjohn London
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Upjohn
The Upjohn family were English pocket watchmakers and clockmakers. They were a celebrated horological dynasty that originated in Exeter, Devon, with branches that later expanded to London.

Edward Upjohn (1686-1764), born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, originally trained as a stonemason. He travelled to America briefly in 1723 but returned due to poor health, settling in Topsham and then Exeter, Devon, in 1738. He established the family’s first workshop, making him the founding father of 15 horological descendants.

James Upjohn (1722-1795), the third son of Edward, became the most famous watchmaker of the family. He moved to London, operating out of Threadneedle Street, Lombard Street and Red Lion Street and specialised in high quality pocket watches tailored for export to the Dutch market.