Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch

Nicholas Prevost Gold Repoussé Pair-Cased Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This pair-cased pocket watch, numbered 3015 and signed by Nicholas Prevost of London, is constructed with an outer repoussé gold case and an inner polished gold case. The outer case features a landscape scene depicting Venus and Cupid, framed by a strapwork border and additional floral and scroll motifs. The inner case displays the master mark 'IR' and contains movement hallmarks consistent with 1728-1729. The dial is constructed of gold with a matted finish, featuring champlevé radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track with Arabic numerals. The watch movement utilizes gilded plates, square baluster pillars, a fusee and chain mechanism, and a verge escapement. It also includes a three-arm balance with a flat balance spring and a pierced, engraved balance cock. The time is indicated by blued steel beetle and poker hands. The total diameter of the watch is 50 mm, with a movement diameter of 37 mm.

Gold repoussé pair-cased pocket watch by Nicholas Prevost, London, circa 1728-1729, showing the movement/dial and the repoussé outer case.
Gold repoussé pair-cased pocket watch by Nicholas Prevost, London, circa 1728-1729, showing the movement/dial and the repoussé outer case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Pair cased pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Nicholas Prevost
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
171
Source-reported date
1728-1729
Source-reported place
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
3015

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 watch is housed in a pair-case configuration composed of gold. The outer case is a two-body, bassine-style construction featuring extensive repoussé work. The back of this outer case displays a detailed scene of Venus and Cupid set within a landscape. The composition is surrounded by a strapwork border, complemented by an outer edge decorated with floral and scroll motifs. The matching bezel design continues this decorative theme.

The inner case is also a two-body, bassine-style gold housing, finished with a polished surface. It bears the master mark 'IR' and London hallmarks dated to 1728-1729, which provide a chronological anchor for the object's manufacture. The assembly measures 50 mm in diameter, with the internal movement measuring 37 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “The inner case with London hallmarks for 1728-1729.”
  • “OUTER: Two-body, bassine, repousse, the back decorated with a scene of Venus & Cupid in a landscape within a strapwork border and outer flower and scroll border”
  • “INNER: Two-body, bassine, polished, master mark IR.”

Dial and Hands

The dial is made of gold and features a matted surface texture. The time display consists of radial Roman numerals executed in the champlevé technique. The layout includes an inner quarter-hour track and an outer minute ring that utilizes Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The display is completed by a set of blued steel beetle and poker hands, which are identified as original to the watch.

The dial is signed by the maker, Nicholas Prevost of London, directly on the surface. The visibility of these elements confirms the integration of the dial with the movement, reflecting the specific design configuration for this numbered instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gold with champleve radial Roman numerals on a matted ground, inner quarter-hour ring and outer minute ring with Arabic five-minute numerals.”
  • “Blued steel beetle and poker hands.”
  • “Dial and movement signed.”

Movement Specifications

The movement is constructed with gilded plates and incorporates square baluster pillars. Power is managed via a fusee and chain, which drives the verge escapement. Regulation and timing are achieved through a three-arm balance equipped with a flat balance spring containing three turns. The balance cock is both pierced and engraved, featuring decorative streamers.

The movement also includes a worm and wheel setup for adjustment. Like the dial, the movement is signed by Nicholas Prevost and bears the serial number 3015.

Evidence for this section
  • “37 mm., gilded plates, square baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement”
  • “three-arm balance with flat balance spring with three turns, pierced and engraved balance clock with streamers, worm and wheel setup.”
  • “Dial and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • What is the identification of the master mark 'IR' found on the inner case?
  • Does the serial number 3015 correspond to extant records for Nicholas Prevost's production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Nicholas Prevost Gold Repoussé Pair-Cased Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerNicholas Prevost“Nich(olas) Prevost, London”
Serial Number3015“No. 3015”
HallmarksLondon, 1728-1729“The inner case with London hallmarks for 1728-1729.”
Outer Case DecorationVenus and Cupid“the back decorated with a scene of Venus & Cupid in a landscape”
Master MarkIR“master mark IR”
Movement TypeVerge escapement“verge escapement”
Dimensions50 mm“DIAM. 50 mm.”

Visible details

  • Outer case back depicts Venus and Cupid in a landscape
  • Dial includes a separate inner quarter-hour ring
  • Movement features a worm and wheel setup for regulation
  • Case design incorporates matching repoussé decoration on the bezel

Research qualifications

  • Movement is described as requiring an overhaul
  • Verification of the master mark 'IR' origin is not provided

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

Consulted source

PREVOST - GOLD REPOUSSE WATCH - VENUS & CUPID Nich(olas) Prevost, London, No. 3015. The inner case with London hallmarks for 1728-1729. Very fine and rare, repousse gold pair-cased pocket watch.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ff20bc5ad0

Terms in this record

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

Other pair cased pocket watch records