40,250 CHF
Ilbery, London, No. 5966, enamel painting attributed to the workshop of Jean-Louis Richter, circa 1810.Very fine and rare gold and enamel pocket chronometer with a special escapement, made for the Chinese market. 49.3 mm, hinged, gilt brass full plate, circular pillars, 8 jewels, fusee and chain for the going train, spring detent escapement was designed to have a Peto cross detente escapment, four curved arm gold balance with four screws, blued-steel flat balance spring, index regulator, one-footed English style cock engraved with scrolling and geometrical patterns.Signed on the back plate.Dim. 58 mm o. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 292-293. Notes William Ilbery, London (ca. 1760-1839)Active in London from 1780 in Goswell Street, he moved to Duncan Terrace towards the end of the 18th century. Following James Cox in London and Jaquet-Droz in Switzerland, he also specialised 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 Peto cross detent escapement. Later, he used thestandard bridge calibre with free-standing barrel, also called the 'Chinese' calibre. The cases of his watches were sumptuously decorated by the best Genevan enamellers, such as Jean-Francois-Victor Dupont, who usually signed his work, and Jean-Louis Richter, who signed rarely. He seems to Read more…
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-03-31
