English silver and entirely in painted enamel watch Circa 1790

Silver watch with painted enamel scenes
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An English oval pocket watch in silver and entirely in painted enamel, circa 1790. Full plate gilt movement with key winding, verge escapement, engraved and pierced balance cock, blued balance spring, fusee and chain, silver adjustment disc, unsigned.
Dial with black enamelled Roman numerals, decorative hands and railway minute track, opening for the winding square.
Round case on hinge, entirely painted on enamel with scenes representing a gallant scene on the back and in the bottom of the case.
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Dimensions: 38 × 42 mm
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Weight. 47.7 gr.
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Signed: No name
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The enamels of Bilston in England

Bilston is a town located in the West Midlands, England, known for its rich industrial heritage, particularly in the fields of metallurgy and watchmaking. In the 18th century, Bilston was renowned for the production of enamel watch cases, often referred to as ‘Bilston enamels’. These cases were prized for their quality and aesthetic appeal, contributing to the reputation of English watchmaking at the time.

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Today, although the watch industry is no longer predominant in Bilston, the town still retains traces of its industrial past. Museums and local exhibitions highlight this heritage, allowing visitors to discover the history of watchmaking and other industries that have shaped the area.