English centre seconds duplex for the Chinese market Circa 1800

Gold, enamel, hard stone, and pearl set duplex by William Ilbery
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A stunning English gold, enamel, hardstone, and seed pearl-set centre seconds duplex watch created for the Chinese market, circa 1800. This exquisite watch features a gilded movement adorned with intricate scrolls, flowers, and foliage, as well as a duplex escapement, polished five-arm steel balance, diamond endstone, and a standing barrel. It is proudly signed and numbered by Ilbery of London, with the reference number. The white enamel dial features elegant Roman numerals, an outer Arabic minute ring, and gold moon hands, all centred around a striking centre seconds display.
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The pear-shaped case features a gold frame inset with alternating sections of moss agate and striated carnelian. The back of the case is centred with a hinged panel set with a single moss agate roundel, bordered by seed pearls. The pendant, bow, and finial are adorned with polychrome champlevé and guilloché enamel geometric and foliate motifs, with similarly decorated terminals. Two red guilloché enamel escutcheons are also positioned above the hinged panel.
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Length including pendant and terminal: 108 mm
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Width: 66 mm
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Dimensions: 108 x 66 mm
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Signed: Ilbery, London
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The dial has only been viewed through the crystal, and there are a few small scratches visible. The hardstone panels appear to be in good condition. As for the case, the lowest slim red enamel band of the pendant has some chips and losses. The movement is not running, but the balance appears to be free.
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A similar watch was previously sold at the Sotheby & Co.: The Palace Collections of Egypt auction on March 12, 1954, lot 560. Other watches by Ilbery with different case shapes but similar decorative panels can be found at Sotheby’s Masterpieces from the Time Museum auction on December 2, 1999, lot 29, and at Sotheby’s The Belin Collection auction on November 29, 1979, lot 98. An almost identical Ilbery watch, No. 6117, is featured in Peter Friess’ Patek Philippe Museum on page 385, inv. no. S-114. William Ilbery took over the family business from his father, John, and became the leading partner, working alongside his brother James. William was active in the business from 1780 until his retirement in the mid-1840s. Known for producing luxury watches for the Chinese market, he is credited with setting the new fashion for all watches made for the Asian market. While John typically made watches with a verge escapement, William preferred Swiss-manufactured pieces with the traditional duplex escapement, as seen in the present lot.