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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Gilt Brass Triple-Cased Verge Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This gilt brass verge pocket watch, produced circa 1760 by the London partnership of Markwick Markham, is designed specifically for the Ottoman market. The outermost case is constructed of gilt brass and features chased decoration depicting Ottoman military trophies set beneath a radiant sunburst. The middle case is plain, while the inner case secures the movement. The watch face consists of a white enamel dial featuring Turkish numerals and decorative half-hour markers, equipped with blued-steel beetle and poker hands. The dial is signed "Markwick Markham et Marko London." The movement, housed within the inner case, utilizes a verge escapement and includes a decorative balance cock. The signature is repeated on the movement.

Front view of the gilt brass triple-cased pocket watch with Turkish numerals on the white enamel dial.
Front view of the gilt brass triple-cased pocket watch with Turkish numerals on the white enamel dial. — PLAKAS / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Markwick Markham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
200286401
Source-reported date
Circa 1760
Source-reported place
United Kingdom

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

Case and Dial

The watch is enclosed in three distinct cases, a feature often associated with exports to the Ottoman Empire for protection. The outermost case is crafted in gilt brass and displays embossed imagery, specifically identified as Ottoman military trophies beneath a sunburst motif. The middle case provides a plain transition, while the inner case protects the watch mechanism.

The dial is made of white enamel and displays Turkish numerals, accompanied by decorative half-hour markers. Time is indicated by blued-steel beetle and poker style hands. The signature "Markwick Markham et Marko London" is inscribed directly on the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed within a richly chased triple case: the outermost gilt-brass case embossed with Ottoman military trophies beneath a radiant sunburst”
  • “The white enamel dial with Turkish numerals and decorative half-hour markers, blued-steel beetle and poker hands, signed Markwick Markham et Marko London.”

Movement

The internal movement is constructed of gilt brass and is described as being finely engraved and pierced. It incorporates a traditional verge escapement, which was the standard mechanism of the era.

A decorative balance cock is included within the movement structure. The movement is also signed by the makers, matching the signature found on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The finely engraved and pierced gilt-brass movement features a verge escapement and decorative balance cock, similarly signed.”

Provenance and Attribution

The timepiece is attributed to the London-based partnership of Markwick Markham, who are recognized for producing high-quality horological instruments intended for the Ottoman market. The work is dated to approximately 1760.

The auction description reports the object as a product of this specific London partnership and notes that the design reflects a blend of English watchmaking and Ottoman stylistic elements. No specific provenance chain or previous ownership history is provided in the source material.

Evidence for this section
  • “Produced by the renowned London partnership of Markwick Markham, celebrated for exporting high-quality watches to the Ottoman market”
  • “By Markwick Markham, London, Circa 1760”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain any internal hallmarks or date codes consistent with the circa 1760 attribution?
  • Is there further historical documentation confirming the specific workshop output of Markwick Markham for the Ottoman market?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gilt Brass Triple-Cased Verge Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MaterialGilt brass“GILT BRASS”
SignatureMarkwick Markham et Marko London“signed Markwick Markham et Marko London”
Movement typeVerge escapement“features a verge escapement”
DateCirca 1760“Circa 1760”
DecorationOttoman military trophies“embossed with Ottoman military trophies”
Dial typeWhite enamel with Turkish numerals“white enamel dial with Turkish numerals”

Visible details

  • Triple-cased construction
  • Turkish numeral dial
  • Beetle and poker style hands
  • Gilt brass finish throughout

Research qualifications

  • Independent authentication of the movement and signature remains required
  • The historical attribution to the Ottoman market is based on auction-house descriptors

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

Consulted source

A GILT BRASS TRIPLE CASED VERGE POCKET WATCH FOR THE TURKISH MARKET, MARKWICK MARKHAM LONDON

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4c13b44dbc

Terms in this record

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

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