English center seconds duplex for Chinese market Circa 1800

Kenmerk: SB0506
Diameter: -

Estimate: € 80.000 - 160.000
Price sold: -

Exceptional gold and hard stone octagonal duplex by William Ilbery
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An exceptional English gold and hard stone center seconds octagonal watch set with pearls for the Chinese market, circa 1800. Gilt duplex movement, five arm balance wheel, plates engraved with floral decorations, standing barrel. White enamel dial. Octagonal case with gold frame inset with various coloured agates, the bow and outer bezel decorated with polychrome enamel motifs, the back set with a border of split pearls. Signed on the movement.

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Dimensions: 115 x 64 mm
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Signed: Ilbery
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William Ilbery is most commonly known as a fine maker of watches for the Chinese market, including some very rare examples made with moss agate, such as the present example. For many of his enamel watches, Ilbery used finely engraved movements incorporating duplex escapements and outer cases set with pearls.
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A pair of hardstone hexagonal watches for the Chinese market made by William Ilbery is in the Patek Philippe Museum, Geneva.

Signed: Ilbery