Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge escapement pair-cased pocket watch

Desbois & Wheeler Gilt and Enamel Pair Cased Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This large verge escapement pocket watch is attributed by the source to London makers Desbois & Wheeler and dated to circa 1795. Measuring 57.25 mm in diameter, the piece is housed in gilt brass and enamel pair cases. According to the source, the gilt fusee movement includes a verge escapement, four round pillars, a pierced fan-shaped balance cock, blued screws, and a silver regulator disk, signed by Desbois & Wheeler and numbered 154. Both the inner case and painted enamel outer case reportedly bear the maker initials WH.

Dial and front view of the gilt and enamel pair-cased pocket watch attributed to Desbois & Wheeler
Dial and front view of the gilt and enamel pair-cased pocket watch attributed to Desbois & Wheeler — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Verge escapement pair-cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Desbois & Wheeler
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1795
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
154

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Object Identity and Construction

This verge escapement pocket watch is attributed to the London-based firm Desbois & Wheeler. It is encased in a gilt brass pair-case assembly measuring 57.25 mm in diameter, featuring an original bow and stem.

The outer case features polychrome floral decoration on a pink and white background. Both the inner gilt brass case and the outer case are marked with the maker's initials 'WH'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Creator: Desbois & Wheeler”
  • “Gilt & enamel pair cases, 57.25 mm”
  • “The inner case is made of gilt brass and is marked with the maker's initials WH”
  • “The outer case is a gilt and enamel pair case, also marked with the maker's initials.”
  • “The original bow and stem are intact.”

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals and gilt hands. It is protected by a high-domed bull's eye crystal.

The dial exhibits small flakes on the edge at the 5 and 9 o'clock positions. The inner bezel is noted to shut securely but has a slight gap.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is in good condition, with a white enamel background and gilt hands.”
  • “There are just a couple of small flakes on the edge at 5 and 9”
  • “The high dome bull's eye crystal is clear with only a few light scratches.”
  • “The bezel shuts securely, though it does have a slight gap.”

Movement Specifications

The timepiece contains a gilt fusee movement with a verge escapement. Reported features include an engraved plate, pierced fan-shaped balance cock, blued screws, four round pillars, and a silver regulator disk.

The movement is signed by Desbois & Wheeler of London and is numbered 154.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement features a high-quality gilt fusee movement with a verge escapement, engraved plate, pierced fan-shaped balance cock, blued screws, four round pillars, and a silver regulator disk.”
  • “It is signed by Desbois & Wheeler of London and numbered 154.”

Open research questions

  • Does the 'WH' mark on the cases correspond to a specific case maker active in London during the 1790s?
  • Is there evidence to reconcile the serial number 154 with known Desbois & Wheeler production records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Desbois & Wheeler Gilt and Enamel Pair Cased Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDesbois & Wheeler“Creator: Desbois & Wheeler”
Place of OriginLondon“Place of Origin: London”
Date of ManufactureC1795“Date of Manufacture: C1795”
Diameter57.25 mm“Gilt & enamel pair cases, 57.25 mm”
Movement DetailsNumbered 154“signed by Desbois & Wheeler of London and numbered 154”
Case Maker MarkWH“The inner case is made of gilt brass and is marked with the maker's initials WH”
Estimated Datec. 1795“Date of Manufacture: C1795”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and dot minute track
  • Gilt hands with an arrow or spade-tipped hour hand and slender straight minute hand
  • High-domed round glass crystal covering the dial
  • Outer case bezel decorated with polychrome painted flowers on a pink and white border
  • Gilt pendant and oval bow visible at the 12 o'clock position

Research qualifications

  • Movement details, serial number, and case maker marks are not visible in the photograph and rely entirely on seller descriptions
  • Source text includes irrelevant filler marketing text

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Gilt & Enamel Pair Cased Pocket Watch - C1795 » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 12a873210e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.