English 22 carat gold and enamel pocket watch Circa 1780

Pocket watch in the original protective case
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An extremely rare, large gold and enamel watch for the Ottoman market, made by Higgs & Evens in London, England, circa 1780. This watch features an original protective case covered in tortoiseshell and decorated with gold nails, while its inner case – crafted from 22 carat gold and enamel – is richly set on both sides with natural pearls and rubies; furthermore, the back displays a unique paillons decoration on a blue enamel ground and the central painted flower basket motif remains largely in its original condition. The beautiful and perfectly preserved enamel dial features an outer minute and hour track with Ottoman numerals and sensationally rare original hands, set with rubies and natural pearls. The numbered movement is equipped with a verge escapement
The dial and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 60 mm
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Weight: 120 g
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Signed: Higgs y Evans London
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The item presented here is an object of art of the greatest rarity, which is why an expert restoration of the blue enamel would definitely be worthwhile. Higgs & Evens produced some of the most beautiful gold and enamel watches of the 18^th century, mainly for the Spanish market. Any other comparable objects for the Ottoman market are unknown.
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Higgs & Evans
(Robert and Peter) Higgs & (James) Evans were highly respected clockmakers who made grandfather- and table clocks as well as pocket watches. They worked first at Sweetings Alley and later at the Royal Exchange. The company was founded in 1775 and existed until 1825. The company specialised in making timepieces for the Spanish market. Some of their work can be seen in the Science Museum and the Guildhall Museum.