Swiss enamel and pearl set centre seconds watch Circa 1850

Silver enamel pearl set pocket watch by watch Vaucher
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A distinctive Swiss enamel gentleman’s pocket watch with a finely painted opaque polychrome enamel medallion depicting a fine composition of summer flowers and leaves against a light blue ground studded with half pearls and jumping center seconds for the Chinese market, circa 1850.
Silver, enamel case with split pearls and glazed movement. White enamel dial with black Roman numerals, black outer minute track, center seconds and spade hands. Bridge movement, steel, key wind, going barrel, and Chinese duplex escapement according to Edouard Jacot.
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Diameter: 55 mm
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Weight: 110 g
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Signed: Vaucher à Fleurier
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Watches for the Chinese Market Imperial China was at its height in the 18th century. Not only the wealthy imperial couple but prosperous merchants and civil servants too were affluent enough to afford high priced luxury goods. They often bought watches, either to extend their collections or to pay tribute to the emperor by presenting him with valuable gifts. Europe recognized the burgeoning financial power in the Chinese society and in addition to exporting the high value Swiss timepieces, the companies began to open their branches in China. To ensure that contemporary tastes were met and the cultural demands of the time satisfied, the preferences of the “new” clientele were carefully investigated. The lavishly decorated watch cases always stood out for their distinctive ornamentation. Shapes, colours and motifs were taken from nature; quality and design were second to none. Flower arrangements were immensely popular because they offered a myriad of possibilities for shape and colour. They came with or without pigeons, on light or dark grounds that might be opaque or translucent – besides landscapes and traditional Chinese figures, flowers were by far the most popular motif.
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Vaucher Frères à Fleurier company was founded by Alfred Vaucher at Fleurier. After his death in 1840 the sons Alfred, Edouard and James-Henri continued the business and specialized on dealing in Chinese clocks. In 1843, they opened a branch in Kanton and later another one in Shanghai.