Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 247

The Healing of the Blind Ilbery, London, No. 6314. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1815. Very fine and very rare, 18K gold, painted on enamel and pearlset, center seconds pocket watch with duplex escapement.

CHF 50,000 - 60,000

USD 46,000 - 55,000 / EUR 31,000 - 38,000

C. Three-body, the band, pendant and bow decorated with green, red, pale blue and dark blue champlevé enameled decoration, bezels and bow set with split pearls, the back with a fine painted on enamel scene depicting the biblical story of the healing of the blind. Hinged gold cuvette engraved with scrolls and a central rosette. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions, Arabic quarterhour numerals. Gold ovoid hands. M. 49 mm., gilt brass, Chinese calibre, fully engraved with floral decoration, standing barrel, single wheel duplex escapement, plain five-arm polished steel balance, flat balance spring, diamond endstone, index regulator. Movement signed. Diam. 58 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-29

Good

Lacking elements
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

William Ilbery (ca. 1760-1839) 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 the production of 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 Lepine caliber with 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 enamelers, 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 and Ilbery & Son are recorded in London and Fleurier, as well as in Canton.