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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Triple case quarter-striking clockwatch

Markwick Markham Borell Triple Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18k yellow gold triple case pocket watch is attributed to the English firm Markwick Markham Borell, specifically produced for the Turkish market. It features a manual-wind, two-train movement that includes a quarter-striking complication capable of sounding the hours on an internal bell. The movement is constructed with a 14''' gilded brass caliber, featuring a fusee and chain transmission, a verge escapement, a polished steel monometallic balance, and a blued steel flat hairspring. The aesthetic design is characterized by an intricate, layered case construction: the outermost case is pierced and gilded with a shagreen center, stud decoration, and polychrome enamel borders. The middle case displays floral engravings and a painted enamel scene of a ship within a harbor, while the inner case is pierced and engraved. The pendant is notably set with a large rose-cut diamond.

Triple case pocket watch for the Turkish market, showing the dial, pierced outer case, and maritime enamel middle case.
Triple case pocket watch for the Turkish market, showing the dial, pierced outer case, and maritime enamel middle case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Triple case quarter-striking clockwatch
Maker / attribution
Markwick Markham Borell
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
356
Source-reported date
Circa 1796
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
21976

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 Construction and Decoration

The outer case is elaborately decorated, featuring gilded, pierced metalwork overlaid with a central panel of shagreen and stud ornamentation. The border of this outer case is embellished with polychrome enamel work featuring floral motifs.

The middle case continues the decorative theme with extensive floral engraving and additional polychrome enamel accents. Its centerpiece is a detailed miniature painting on enamel depicting a ship located in a calm Mediterranean harbor. The innermost case is also constructed from 18k gold and features pierced, engraved metalwork. A large rose-cut diamond is set into the winding pendant, completing the ornate presentation of the outer casing.

Evidence for this section
  • “outer pierced and gilded, applied shagreen center with stud decoration, florally engraved polychrome enamel border”
  • “18K gold middle case florally engraved and polychrome enamelled, the center with a painted on enamel scene of a ship in a calm mediterranean harbour”

Movement and Complications

The timekeeping and striking functions are powered by a two-train movement, designed to sound the hours on an internal bell using a pair of striking hammers. The movement is built on a 14''' gilded brass caliber, utilizing a traditional English fusee and chain mechanism to ensure consistent force delivery to the gear train.

The escapement is of the verge type, paired with a polished steel monometallic balance and a blued steel flat hairspring. The visual finish of the movement includes an English-style cock that is pierced and engraved, consistent with 18th-century English horological standards for this grade of watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement striking the hours with two hammers on a bell”
  • “gilded brass, fusee and chain, verge escapement, monometallic balance (polished steel) and blued steel flat hairspring, pierced and engraved gilded English cock.”

Documentation and Condition

The object is identified by the auction description as a product of Markwick Markham Borell, signed on both the dial and the movement. The case is attributed to the maker Vale Walker, indicated by the initials 'VW' found on the components. The movement is assigned the serial number 21976.

The auction house assesses the overall condition of the movement as requiring professional attention, recommending a full overhaul. The case is described as being in good condition with minor restoration, and the dial is also rated as good. All original hands are reported to be present.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signature Dial and movement, case by VW (Vale Walker)”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Case: 3-32 Good Slightly restored”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival evidence links the movement serial number to the production year circa 1796?
  • Are there additional extant examples of watches with this specific combination of Vale Walker casing and Markwick Markham Borell movements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Markwick Markham Borell Triple Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Number21976“Movement No. 21976”
Caliber14'''“Caliber 14’’’”
Diameter57 mm“Diameter 57 mm”
Striking mechanismQuarter striking“TWO-TRAIN WITH QUARTER STRIKING CLOCKWATCH”
Case composition18k yellow gold“18K YELLOW GOLD”
Case makerVale Walker“case by VW (Vale Walker)”
YearCirca 1796“Year Circa 1796”

Visible details

  • Features a white dial with Turkish numerals
  • The pendant incorporates a large rose-cut diamond
  • The middle case features a painted maritime enamel scene
  • The movement is a two-train design with striking hammers and a bell

Research qualifications

  • The auction description suggests a need for an overhaul of the movement
  • The exact level of restoration to the case is not specified beyond being slightly restored

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

Consulted source

MARKWICK MARKHAM BORELL, MADE FOR THE TURKISH MARKET, TRIPLE CASE POCKET WATCH MADE FOR THE TURKISH MARKET, TWO-TRAIN WITH QUARTER STRIKING CLOCKWATCH, 18K YELLOW GOLD

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 829242eb09

Terms in this record

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