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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch

Pearl and Diamond Set Irish Verge with Chatelaine

Partially verified

This object is an Irish verge pocket watch dating to circa 1785, presented with a matching macaroni-style chatelaine. The watch features a full-plate movement with fire-gilded finish, utilizing a fusee and chain mechanism. The balance cock is intricately engraved and pierced, fitted with a diamond endstone. Regulation is provided by a silver disc, and the movement includes a three-arm steel balance with a blued steel spiral hairspring. The case is of a consular design, crafted from gold and set with pearls and diamonds. The reverse is decorated with dark blue translucent enamel over a radiating guilloché ground, featuring a central diamond-set ornament encircled by pearls. The white enamel dial displays Arabic numerals in a radial layout, with front-facing winding. It is accompanied by a chatelaine featuring blue enamel links, gold bells, and pearl-set cartouches. The entire set is housed in a modern morocco leather case with velvet lining.

Watch and matching chatelaine shown in their presentation case.
Watch and matching chatelaine shown in their presentation case. — Zamanito/Pieces of Time. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Verge pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1785
Source-reported place
Ireland

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 Design

The watch is housed in a gold consular case characterized by extensive jeweled ornamentation. The bezel is lined with a row of split pearls, providing a contrast to the metallic surface. The reverse of the case features dark blue translucent enamel applied over a guilloché ground, which is engine-turned in a radiating pattern. A central motif is positioned at the back, consisting of a diamond-set ornament surrounded by a border of pearls on an enamel disc.

The dial is composed of white enamel with radially arranged Arabic numerals. This design facilitates winding from the front of the watch. The time is indicated by decorative hands crafted from a white metal. The overall composition of the case and dial follows design aesthetics associated with the late eighteenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “بزل‌های آن با یک ردیف مروارید شکافته درشت احاطه شده‌اند.”
  • “پشت قاب با لعاب مینای شفاف آبی تیره روی زمینه گیوشه با نقش شعاعی پوشانده شده”
  • “صفحه ساعت از مینای سفید با اعداد عربی با چیدمان شعاعی تشکیل شده که عمل کوک ساعت از روی صفحه انجام می‌شود”

Movement and Mechanism

The internal mechanism is a full-plate movement finished with fire-gilding. It operates via a fusee and chain system, which was a dominant power transmission technology for pocket watches of this period. The escapement relies on a verge mechanism.

The regulation and balance components include a three-arm steel balance, a blued steel hairspring, and a silver regulator disc. The balance cock is notable for its intricate pierced and engraved patterns, and it incorporates a diamond endstone as part of the jeweling.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت از نوع تمام‌پلیت (Full plate) با روکش طلای آتشین و مجهز به سیستم انتقال قدرت فیوزه و زنجیر (Fusee and chain) است.”
  • “خروس رقاصک دارای سنگ انتهایی (Endstone) از جنس الماس بوده”
  • “دیسک رگولاتور از جنس نقره، بالانس سه بازویی ساده فولادی و فنر رقاصک مارپیچ فولاد آبی در آن به کار رفته است.”

Chatelaine and Presentation

The watch is accompanied by a matching macaroni-style chatelaine, which is constructed from gold and accented with blue enamel. The central chain comprises octagonal links bordered in white, and it connects to a spring hook secured by a screw-top fitting. The chatelaine includes two gold bells with conical pendants, adding to the decorative nature of the assembly.

The object is presented in a modern case constructed of red morocco leather, featuring a grey velvet lining and an integrated folding stand for display purposes. This housing is noted as being a later addition to the original watch and chatelaine ensemble.

Evidence for this section
  • “شاتلن طلایی و میناکاری هماهنگ این ساعت، دارای زنجیر مرکزی با پیوندهای هشت‌ضلعی مزین به مینای آبی تیره و حاشیه سفید است”
  • “این ساعت درون یک جعبه متأخر با روکش چرم مراکشی سرخ، آستر مخمل خاکستری و پایه تاشو عرضه شده است.”

Open research questions

  • What is the identification or hallmark of the gold used in the case?
  • Are there any maker's marks on the movement plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Pearl and Diamond Set Irish Verge with Chatelaine
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement TypeFull plate, fire-gilded, fusee and chain“موتور ساعت از نوع تمام‌پلیت (Full plate) با روکش طلای آتشین و مجهز به سیستم انتقال قدرت فیوزه و زنجیر (Fusee and chain) است.”
Case DecorationDark blue translucent enamel with diamond and pearl set“پشت قاب با لعاب مینای شفاف آبی تیره روی زمینه گیوشه با نقش شعاعی پوشانده شده و در مرکز آن تزیین عمیقی مزین به الماس درون قابی مرصع به الماس روی دیسک مینای آبی قرار گرفته است.”
Balance SystemSteel balance with diamond endstone and silver regulator“خروس رقاصک دارای سنگ انتهایی (Endstone) از جنس الماس بوده و با نقوش هندسی مشبک‌کاری و حکاکی شده است؛ همچنین دیسک رگولاتور از جنس نقره، بالانس سه بازویی ساده فولادی و فنر رقاصک مارپیچ فولاد آبی در آن به کار رفته است.”
Chatelaine StyleMacaroni style with blue enamel and pearl cartouche“شاتلن ست هماهنگ سبک ماکارونی (Macaroni chatelaine) است.”
OriginIreland“ساعت جیبی ورج (Verge) ایرلندی”
DialWhite enamel with Arabic numerals and front-winding“صفحه ساعت از مینای سفید با اعداد عربی با چیدمان شعاعی تشکیل شده که عمل کوک ساعت از روی صفحه انجام می‌شود”
DateCirca 1785“حدود ۱۷۸۵”

Visible details

  • Case bezel set with split pearls
  • Radiating guilloché pattern under blue enamel
  • Central star-shaped diamond ornament on case back
  • Two bells suspended from the chatelaine

Research qualifications

  • Maker is not identified in source
  • Exact original manufacture date suggested as 'circa'

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

Consulted source

Pearl and Diamond Set Irish Verge with Chatelaine

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 142ef0534c

Terms in this record

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

Other verge pocket watch records