Irish Gold & Enamel Lever, 1868

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Introducing the “Irish Gold & Enamel Lever – 1868,” a truly remarkable timepiece that epitomizes the artistry and precision of mid-19th-century watchmaking. This exquisite Irish fusee lever watch is a rare gem, encased in luxurious gold and adorned with stunning enamel work that features intricate shamrock motifs, capturing the essence of Irish heritage and craftsmanship. The full hunter case not only protects the watch but also serves as a testament to the meticulous skill and attention to detail of the era. At the heart of this timepiece lies a gilt three-quarter plate keywind movement, complete with a fusee and chain mechanism and Harrison’s maintaining power, ensuring reliable and precise timekeeping. The engraved cock with a polished steel regulator, along with the plain three-arm gold balance and blue steel spiral hairspring, further highlights the watch’s exquisite craftsmanship. The English table roller lever escapement adds to its precision, making it a functional masterpiece. The watch’s aesthetic allure is enhanced by a beautifully decorated gold dial, featuring intricate engine turning and engraving, applied gold Roman numerals, and elegant blue steel hands, complemented by a subsidiary seconds dial for added functionality. What truly sets this timepiece apart is its local provenance, with the case bearing the maker’s mark “JD” and the movement stamped with “ID,” suggesting its creation by the renowned Dublin watchmaker John Donegan. This connection to a celebrated craftsman, along with its hallmarked Dublin origin and manufacture date of 1863, imbues the watch with a rich historical significance. With a diameter of 53 mm and in good condition, this watch is not only a rare and attractive piece but also a celebration of exceptional craftsmanship and Irish heritage, making it a truly remarkable addition to any collection. Presenting an exceptionally rare timepiece from the mid 19th Century – an Irish fusee lever watch encased in gold and adorned with stunning enamel work depicting shamrocks. This exquisite full hunter case showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the era. The watch features a gilt three quarter plate keywind movement, equipped with a fusee and chain mechanism, as well as Harrison’s maintaining power. The engraved cock with a polished steel regulator and the plain three arm gold balance with a blue steel spiral hairspring highlight the watch’s attention to detail. The English table roller lever escapement ensures precise timekeeping. Adorned with a beautifully decorated gold dial, featuring intricate engine turning and engraving, the watch also boasts applied gold Roman numerals and elegant blue steel hands. A subsidiary seconds dial adds to its functionality. What sets this timepiece apart is not only its aesthetic appeal, but also its local provenance. The case bears the maker’s mark “JD,” and the movement is stamped with “ID” (where J and I were commonly interchangeable at the time). This suggests that the watch was made by John Donegan of Dublin, a renowned watchmaker with two shops in the city, active during the year 1837. Overall, this watch is a rare and attractive piece that showcases exceptional craftsmanship and Irish heritage. The combination of the exquisite gold and enamel work, coupled with its local origin, makes it a truly remarkable timepiece. Signed John Donegan – Dublin Place of Origin : Hallmarked Dublin Date of Manufacture: 1863 Diameter : 53 mm Condition: Good