Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong - Kong, Oct 09, 2010

LOT 237

Watch with Visible Movement Swiss, retailed by Edw.d Darvill, London. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1790. Very fine and rare, 18K gold and pearl-set pocket watch with visible movement.

HKD 53,000 - 70,000

USD 7,000 - 9,000 / EUR 5,300 - 7,000

Sold: HKD 87,500

C. Two-body, Directoire, polished, glazed both sides, the bezels set with split pearls. D. White enamel, annular, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions and Arabic 15-minute numerals, the center exposing the engraved front plate of the movement. Gold heart hands. M. 48 mm., Chinese caliber, entirely foliate engraved, standing barrel, cylinder escapement, five-arm polished steel balance, flat balance spring, index regulator. Movement signed Edw.d Darvill. Diam. 55 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

No watchmaker by the name of Edward Darvill appears to be recorded. However, a silversmith by that name is recorded in London at the end of the 18th century. This watch is undoubtedly Swiss made and It is therefore likely that it was sold through the shop of Edward Darvill for export to the Far East. Watches made for export were regarded as more desirable when bearing a London name due to the perception that goods from London were always of a higher quality.