English gold enamel watch set with diamonds and pearls Circa 1800

Gold enamel pocket watch with pearls and diamonds by William Ilbery
–
An important gold enamel English pocket watch of museum quality, studded with pearls and diamonds, from the early 19th century, probably produced for the Chinese market.
This 18-carat gold watch boasts a lavishly gilded brass bridge movement, engraved in Chinese style, with a two-arm steel balance. The duplex escapement ensures precise timekeeping, while the enamel dial features radial Roman numerals, an outer minutes track, and a subsidiary dial for the seconds. The gold hands add a touch of luxury to the overall design. The delicate translucent cobalt blue enamelling of the 18-carat gold case is adorned with applied diamonds, and the bezels on both sides are studded with pearls. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this watch’s design, making it a true work of art.
This stunning timepiece is signed on the movement by Ilbery himself, with the serial number 6903. The inside inner case is marked with several symbols, including CD within a circle, a crown within a rectangle, and a Roman numeral I, which attest to the quality and authenticity of the watch.
William Ilbery’s legacy as a master watchmaker is evident in this exceptional creation. This 18-carat gold watch is a testament to his skill and a timeless piece of art that will continue to captivate and impress for generations to come.
–
Diameter: 60 mm
–
Signed: Ilbery, London
–
–
William Ilbery, circa 1760-1839, was active in London from 1780 in Goswell Street; he moved to Duncan Terrace towards the end of the 18th century. After James Cox in London and Jaquet-Droz in Switzerland, he also specialized in producing luxury watches for the Chinese market. His early production was very much in the English style, featuring a full plate movement and an English-type single-wheel duplex escapement. However, for his highest-quality watches, he incorporated a spring detent escapement. Later, the watch movements he produced were much inspired by the Lépine calibre with a free-standing barrel, as were Jaquet-Droz’s Swiss production signed in London and that of William Anthony, who worked in London. The cases of his watches were sumptuously decorated by the best Genevan enamellers, such as Jean-Francois-Victor Dupont, who usually signed his work, and Jean-Louis Richter, who signed rarely. He organized the production in Switzerland, mainly in Fleurier, of profusely engraved movements for the Asian market. He was followed in this by makers such as Bovet and Juvet, who also worked in Fleurier (Val de Travers). Ilbery can therefore be considered one of the most representative makers of ‘Chinese’ watches. He seems to have maintained close contact with the continental trade since a watch signed ‘Ilbery Paris’ is known while Ilbery & Son are recorded in London and Fleurier and Canton.