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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Cylinder pocket watch

Gold and Enamel Cylinder Pocket Watch by Brockbanks

Partially verified

This late 18th-century English pocket watch is signed by the London maker Brockbanks. It features a gold consular case decorated with split pearls along the bezel and cloisonné enamel on the reverse. The black-ground enamel displays a multicolored vase motif with scrolling foliage. The watch is powered by a fire-gilt, full-plate movement utilizing a fusee and chain transmission. The cylinder escapement includes a steel cylinder, a large steel escape wheel, and a three-arm plain steel balance with a blued steel hairspring. The balance cock is intricately pierced and engraved with a small mask on the foot, incorporating a diamond endstone and a silver regulator disc. The gold dial is engraved with a matted center and carries a sub-dial for hours and minutes with Roman numerals, complemented by blued steel hands and a central seconds hand.

Front view of the Brockbanks cylinder pocket watch showing the gold dial, split pearl bezel, and winding hole.
Front view of the Brockbanks cylinder pocket watch showing the gold dial, split pearl bezel, and winding hole. — Zamanito (Pieces of Time). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Cylinder pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Brockbanks
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 18th century
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
3072

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 housed in a gold consular-style case. The front bezel is bordered by a continuous row of split pearls. The reverse of the case is decorated with cloisonné-style enamel on a black background, featuring multicolored floral and scrollwork designs set against an engraved surface. A release button integrated into the pendant allows the hinged cover to open.

The dial is constructed from gold and features a matted finish with engraved ornamentation. Time is displayed via a recessed sub-dial at the top section, which uses Roman numerals and blued steel hands. A central seconds hand extends from the center of the main dial, which also provides access to the winding mechanism via a hole cut directly through the gold surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب کنسولار (Consular) از جنس طلا بوده که دورتادور زهوارهای آن با ردیفی از مرواریدهای نیمه‌شده (Split pearls) تزئین شده است”
  • “در پشت قاب، میناکاری به سبک کلوازونه (Cloisonné) با زمینه مشکی و مینای شفاف چندرنگ بر روی حکاکی‌های زمینه اجرا شده”
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس طلا ساخته شده و ثانیه‌شمار مرکزی دارد”
  • “سوراخ کوک ساعت مستقیماً بر روی همین صفحه طلایی تعبیه شده است”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is a full-plate design finished with fire-gilt. Power is transmitted through a fusee and chain system. The balance cock is highly decorative, featuring pierced work and an engraved design that includes a small mask detail at the base. It is equipped with a diamond endstone and a silver disc for regulation.

The cylinder escapement includes a polished steel cylinder and a large steel escape wheel. The balance assembly consists of a plain three-arm steel balance with a blued steel spiral hairspring. The movement is engraved with the maker's name, Brockbanks, along with the serial number 3072.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای صفحه کامل (Full plate) و روکش طلا به روش آتشین (Fire gilt) است که از سیستم انتقال نیروی فیوزه و زنجیر (Fusee and chain) بهره می‌برد”
  • “خروس رقاصک (Cock) به شکل مشبک و حکاکی‌شده تزئین شده و نقاب آن مزین به سردیس کوچکی است”
  • “به سنگ انتهای الماس (Diamond endstone) و دیسک تنظیم‌کننده نقره‌ای مجهز است”
  • “سیلندر فولادی صیقلی و چرخ دنگ فولادی بزرگ، ساختار سیستم دنگ سیلندر این ساعت را تشکیل می‌دهند”

Condition and Maintenance

The auction description reports that the functional condition of the watch is not stated. Given its 18th-century origins, prospective owners are advised to inspect the integrity of the split pearls and ensure the enamel on the case back is free of cracks.

Furthermore, the authenticity and condition of the fusee chain should be verified. Professional servicing, including cleaning and lubrication of the gear train, is recommended before the watch is operated.

Evidence for this section
  • “وضعیت کارکرد دستگاه در منبع قید نشده”
  • “بررسی سلامت مرواریدها، عدم ترک‌خوردگی مینای پشت قاب، اصالت زنجیر فیوزه و سرویس تخصصی روغن‌کاری چرخ‌دنده‌ها پیش از راه‌اندازی توصیه می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific provenance or original retail context for the number 3072?
  • Are there archival records for Brockbanks that confirm the production date of serial 3072?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Gold and Enamel Cylinder Pocket Watch by Brockbanks
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBrockbanks (London)“سازنده نامدار Brockbanks در لندن”
DatingLate 18th century“اواخر سده هجدهم میلادی”
Case TypeConsular“قاب کنسولار (Consular)”
DecorationSplit pearls and cloisonné enamel“دورتادور زهوارهای آن با ردیفی از مرواریدهای نیمه‌شده (Split pearls) تزئین شده است. در پشت قاب، میناکاری به سبک کلوازونه (Cloisonné)”
Dial MaterialGold“صفحه ساعت از جنس طلا ساخته شده”
Movement TypeFull plate, fire gilt“موتور ساعت دارای صفحه کامل (Full plate) و روکش طلا به روش آتشین (Fire gilt)”
EscapementCylinder“دنگ سیلندر فولادی صیقلی”

Visible details

  • Case features a row of split pearls
  • Movement utilizes a fusee and chain
  • Dial incorporates a winding hole directly on the gold plate

Research qualifications

  • Operating condition is not provided in the source
  • The source recommends inspection of enamel, pearls, and mechanical components

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

Consulted source

Unusual Gold and Enamel Cylinder Pocket Watch by Brockbanks

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9216bc12e5

Terms in this record

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

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