English large duplex pocket watch for Chinese market Circa 1820

Large gilt pocket watch with spring lid function cuvette
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A large duplex pocket watch made for the Chinese market by William Ilbery in London, England, circa 1820. The plain open faced gilt case of this watch has a spring lid function. The restored white enamel dial of this watch has black Roman hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial with black Arabic numerals and gold hands. The magnificent numbered movement has a duplex escapement and a diamond end stone.
Dial and movement signed.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Weight: 142 g
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Signed: Ilbery, London                
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William Ilbery
William Ilbery, circa 1760-1839, was active in London from 1780 in Goswell Street, he moved to Duncan Terrace towards the end of the 18^th 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 caliber with a free standing barrel, as were Jaquet-Droz’s Swiss production signed in London and that of William Anthony, who worked in London.
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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 contacts with the continental trade since a watch signed ‘Ilbery Paris’ is known while Ilbery & Son are recorded in London and Fleurier, as well as in Canton.