Chinese-market watch with enamelled movement

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step into the fascinating world of horological artistry with the “Chinese Market With Enamelled Movement - Circa 1860,” a rare and exquisite mid-19th-century masterpiece that embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and elegance. This exceptional enamelled duplex pocket watch, meticulously crafted to cater to the discerning tastes of the Chinese market during the Qing dynasty, is a testament to the artisanal prowess and intricate design sensibilities of its era. The watch’s stunning enamel work, a hallmark of luxury and sophistication, showcases a vibrant palette and intricate detailing that captures the cultural essence and aesthetic preferences of its intended clientele. The duplex movement, a marvel of engineering, reflects the innovative spirit of the time, providing a glimpse into the technological advancements that characterized the period. As a collector’s dream, this pocket watch not only serves as a functional timepiece but also as a historical artifact that narrates a story of cross-cultural exchange and the global appreciation for fine watchmaking. Its provenance and rarity make it a coveted piece for connoisseurs and historians alike, offering a unique opportunity to own a slice of history that transcends time and geography. Whether displayed as a centerpiece in a curated collection or cherished as a personal treasure, this watch is more than just an instrument of time; it is a celebration of artistic excellence and a bridge between worlds. This is a rare and exquisite mid 19th Century enamelled duplex pocket watch created specifically for the Chinese market. It is housed in a simple yet elegant plain silver case. The watch features a keywind movement with a stunning gilt champleve blue enamel cock and bridges. The going barrel, which is suspended, is adorned with vibrant red champleve enamel. The gilt engine turned plate adds to the overall beauty of the timepiece. Additionally, there is a garnet endstone set in a gold engraved setting, a polished steel regulator, and blue steel screws. The watch boasts a polished and blue steel three-arm balance with decorative gilt weights and a spiral hairspring. Notably, it also features a steel crab tooth duplex escape wheel, which creates the illusion of a second hand beating. The white enamel dial showcases Roman numerals and a center seconds hand, both of which are adorned with striking blue steel hands. Encased in a plain silver open face case, the watch exhibits a silver oval pendant and bow, with a button that releases the back cover. The back cover is marked with Chinese characters within an oval. Furthermore, the watch includes a glazed engraved silver sprung cuvette with apertures for winding and hand-setting. This is an exceedingly rare timepiece that is in excellent overall condition. It is worth noting that in 1858, a skilled craftsman named Pelaz from Geneva introduced enamelled bridges specifically made for Chinese market movements. These bridges generated significant interest, but only a few were produced due to the delicate nature of the components and the potential distortion caused by the enamelling process, which could impact the smooth operation of the movement. For further reference, please see A. Chapuis’ book “La Montre Chinoise” on page 170 and the accompanying color plate. Anonymous Swiss Place of Origin : Swiss Date of Manufacture: Circa 1860 Diameter: 57 mm Condition: Good