English gold and enamel consular cased verge watch Circa 1771

Gold and enamel open faced verge watch
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A fine English gold and enamel consular cased verge pocket watch, circa 1771. Gilt full plate movement, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, flat steel three arm balance, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain.
White enamel dial, Roman hours, outer Arabic minute track and gold Louis style hands.
Amphora on the case back decorated with champlevé enamel on an imperial blue ground, a blue ribbon and green palm fronds in basse taille enamel, the front and back bezels with decorative white and translucent blue enamel borders, plain pendant, maker’s mark DA for Daniel Aveline, movement signed Jas Upjohn London.
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Diameter: 43 mm
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Signed: Jas Upjohn London
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The champlevé tied ribbon to the case back symbolizes harmony, whilst the crossed palm fronds represent victory and peace.

James Upjohn is the best known member of an Exeter family of watchmakers. He is thought to have had his movements made, or at least finished, in Exeter. The Upjohn’s exported their watches mainly to the Dutch market. James Upjohn was based initially at Threadneedle Street, London before moving to Lombard Street in 1765.  He was later to be found at Red Lion Street.

Basse taille is an enamelling technique in which the artist creates a low relief pattern in metal, usually silver or gold, by engraving or chasing. The entire pattern is created in such a way that its highest point is lower than the surrounding metal. A translucent enamel is then applied to the metal, allowing light to reflect from the relief and creating an artistic effect. It was used in the late Middle Ages, and then again in the 17th century.