Lot 109

Jefferys & Jones, London, Movement No. 2689, 48 mm, 129 g, circa 1800

A precious pair-cased gold enamel pocket watch with quarter repeater diamond and half pearl-studded and matching diamond-studded chatelaine
Case: outer case - gold/cobalt blue enamel/diamonds/split pearls. Inner case - gold, rear bell, dust cap. Dial: enamel. Movm.: elegant full plate movement, chain/fusée, cylinder escapement, three-arm steel balance.
The back of this spectacular pocket watch is decorated with translucid cobalt blue enamelling on a lavishly engine-turned background. The centre is studded with a huge diamond, surrounded by smaller diamonds in a starry frame. The borders on the front and back side are studded with half pearls and a narrow white and blue enamelled border. The golden inner case has an open-worked middle section with foliage and flower ornamentation. The matching chatelaine has three parts, three smaller pearl chains and 16 panels of various sizes, engine-turned with translucid cobalt blue enamelling, with a diamond each, all connected by golden chain links. A white carnelian signet with engraved flower and slogan "A vous", a small watch key and two pearl-set tassels are connected to the main panel.
Jefferys & Jones
The records mention the company of Jefferys & Jones as trading since before 1776 until around 1810 in Cockspur Street, London. They were renowned watchmakers of luxuriously decorated watches; from the quality of its diamonds and pearls this watch compares to the famous piece owned by Queen Charlotte, who received her as a present from Louis XVI. The elaborate finish of case and chatelaine indicates that no effort was spared to guarantee the outstanding quality of the watch. The small Carnelian signet engraved "A vous" (for you) and the precious diamond of this size are proof that this was indeed a precious token of love.

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