Gold Swiss Lever With Decorative Movement, c. 1860

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step back in time with the “Gold Swiss Lever With Decorative Movement – Circa 1860,” a magnificent testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the mid-19th century. This exceptional timepiece, with its origins rooted in London and signed by Baldwin, is a captivating blend of elegance and precision, designed to enchant collectors and enthusiasts alike. Encased in a resplendent 18-carat gold open face case, the watch is adorned with intricate engravings that tell a story of sophistication and timeless beauty. The case’s bezels are embellished with geometric patterns, while the back reveals a picturesque scene of colonnades, a house, and a boat on a serene lake, all framed by broad engine-turned bands. At its heart lies a keywind bar movement, rich with engraving and two-tone gilding, featuring a suspended going barrel and a polished steel regulator on the engraved cock. The watch’s internal marvels continue with a compensation balance and a blue steel overcoil hairspring, while the club foot lever escapement is uniquely accented with a gold counterpoise adorned with arrowheads. The escape and lever pivots are set with endstones in gold, adding to the watch’s luxurious appeal. The white enamel dial, with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial, is graced by elegant blue steel Breguet hands, completing the watch’s refined aesthetic. The watch is wound and set through an engraved gold cuvette, signed by the retailer, and features a gold pendant and plain bow, further enhancing its allure. With faux English marks and the maker’s mark ”SB” in a shield, this watch is believed to have been crafted specifically for the American market, embodying a unique design and impeccable craftsmanship that stand the test of time. Measuring 53 mm in diameter and in overall good condition, this exquisite timepiece is not just a watch, but a piece of history, offering a glimpse into the elegance and innovation of a bygone era. This exquisite timepiece is an engraved Swiss lever watch dating back to the mid 19th century. Encased in a stunning gold open face case with intricate engravings, this watch is a true work of art. The keywind bar movement boasts rich engraving and features two-tone gilding. It also includes a beautifully engraved suspended going barrel. The cock of the watch is engraved and equipped with a polished steel regulator. The watch includes a compensation balance with a blue steel overcoil hairspring. The escapement is a club foot lever with a unique gold counterpoise adorned with arrowheads. The escape and lever pivots contain endstones set in gold. The dial is crafted from white enamel with Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. The hands are elegantly designed with blue steel Breguet hands. The exquisite 18-carat gold open face case is slim and features elaborate engravings. The bezels of the case are intricately engraved with a geometric pattern, while the back showcases a scenic view of colonnades, a house, and a boat on a lake. Unusual broad engine turned bands can be found under both bezels. This remarkable watch can be wound and set through the beautifully engraved gold cuvette, which is signed by the retailer. The watch also boasts an engraved gold pendant and a plain bow. The faux English marks and maker’s mark “SB” in a shield add to its allure. In overall exceptional condition, this watch is believed to have been made specifically for the American market. Its unique design and impeccable craftsmanship make it a truly captivating timepiece. Signed Baldwin Place of Origin : London Date of Manufacture: Circa 1860 Diameter :53 mm Condition: Good