English gold enamel pearl and diamond set pocket watch Circa 1796

Gold open faced cylinder watch
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A fancy, large English 18 Carat gold and enamel, pearl and diamond set pocket watch, circa 1796. The case is made by Jonah Mince (mastermark IM) with London hallmarks for 1796-1797. The back is decorated with translucent Imperial blue enamel over elaborate engine turning with rose cut diamond set applied rosette and large split pearl in the centre, azure enamel frame with red enamel dots, pearl set bezels and pendant. Hinged gilt cuvette fixed to the movement ring. White enamel dial, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions and gold arrowhead hands. Hessen type gilt brass full plate movement, finely foliate chased and engraved, fusee and chain, cylinder escapement with brass escape wheel, three arm steel balance, flat balance spring, single footed solid engraved cock with diamond endstone, index regulator. Cuvette signed.
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Diameter: 59 mm
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Signed: William Anthony  London
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Slightly restored soft enamel and some hairlines on the dial.
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William Anthony was born circa 1765 and worked in Red Lion Street, St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, where he made high end, decorative watches for the Chinese market. One of his well-known styles includes oval dials and hands that are jointed to automatically adjust to the changing radius of the dial as they travel around. As a successful tradesman, Anthony played an active part in founding the Watch- and Clockmakers Benevolent Association in 1815. However, after establishing the association, he suffered a series of losses following the unsuccessful litigation with Grimaldi & Johnson; an ill fated attempt to set up a commercial exhibition in the Somerset Gallery, Strand, of Commonwealth presenting the Stuart costume displayed on wax models. He died in straitened circumstances in 1844.