Lot 55
55
A MAGNIFICENT GOLD, ENAMEL AND ROCK CRYSTAL PAIR CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH the enamel case and dial probably Geneva, circa 1700, the movement, Charles Gretton, London, No.1922, circa 1700, the outer case circa 1740.
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A MAGNIFICENT GOLD, ENAMEL AND ROCK CRYSTAL PAIR CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH the enamel case and dial probably Geneva, circa 1700, the movement, Charles Gretton, London, No.1922, circa 1700, the outer case circa 1740.

Details
A MAGNIFICENT GOLD, ENAMEL AND ROCK CRYSTAL PAIR CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH
the enamel case and dial probably Geneva, circa 1700, the movement, Charles Gretton, London, No.1922, circa 1700, the outer case circa 1740.
enamel dial with Roman hours and markers for half hours and quarters, the centre painted with a battle scene, single hand lacking, gilt fusee movement signed Char. Gretton, London, 1922, with divided Egyptian pillars, verge escapement, pierced and engraved winged balance cock, the case enamelled on the inside with a monochrome scene of two warriors on horseback amidst a battle, the outside of the case painted with polychrome battle scene, the band with four vignettes of classical figures emblematic of Peace, Defeat, Honour and Justice, the outer gold repousse case chased with scrolls, a lion mask and a military trophy, glazed with rock crystal, diameter 46mm.
Provenance
By descent to the present owner.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Further details
This watch has an enamel case of exceptional quality and is unusual in having an English movement. It is likely that the case was made in Geneva around 1700 and brought back to England shortly afterwards. The movement by Charles Gretton has undoubtedly been made specifically for this dial and case. The high regard in which this watch was evidently held is shown in that Charles Gretton, a highly respected maker, was chosen to make the movement and a gold repousse outer case of the highest quality and glazed with rock crystal, made especially for this watch. The outer case has been made to continue the military theme and also to show the enamel of the inner case to superb advantage. The appearance of the watch when viewed from the back would also bring it into high fashion in the mid-18th Century.

Lot Essay

This watch has an enamel case of exceptional quality and is unusual in having an English movement. It is likely that the case was made in Geneva around 1700 and brought back to England shortly afterwards. The movement by Charles Gretton has undoubtedly been made specifically for this dial and case. The high regard in which this watch was evidently held is shown in that Charles Gretton, a highly respected maker, was chosen to make the movement and a gold repousse outer case of the highest quality and glazed with rock crystal, made especially for this watch. The outer case has been made to continue the military theme and also to show the enamel of the inner case to superb advantage. The appearance of the watch when viewed from the back would also bring it into high fashion in the mid-18th Century.

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