Fine enamel pair case, by Charles Cabrier

An early London cylinder watch, in a beautiful enamel case.

MOVEMENT : Gilt cylinder movement, with engraved and pierced balance cock, diamond endstone, four square baluster pillars, and silver regulator disk. The balance cock table has a ‘lace’ edge decoration which is a feature occasionally found on London watches of this period.

Running well, and in good condition, though with scratches on the top plate around a pillar top.

Signed “C. Cabrier” and numbered (5673).

The movement is protected by a removable gilt dustcap, signed and numbered as the movement.

DIAL : A fine white enamel dial, in good condition with just a few light scratches but no further damage or repairs.

Good 18th century gold skeleton hands.

INNER CASE : Gilded brass, with maker’s mark IN under a crescent.

In good condition. The hinge is fine and the bezel snaps shut correctly. The high dome bull’s eye crystal is perfect. The gilding is intact except for a little wear around the back and band, and wear to the stem and bow.

OUTER CASE : Gilt brass and enamel pair case. Engraving to bezel and band to the back, and blue guilloche enamel, decorated with gold stars, to the back.

Again in good condition. The catch is complete and the case snaps shut. The hinge is fine.
The front section of the brass neck is missing. The enamel has some small cracks (mostly on the lower edge) and the central gold star is missing, but no enamel missing. The gilding shows very little wear.

There were several generations of Charles Cabrier working in London through the 18th century. This watch is by Charles III who worked from 1752, in the Clockmakers’ Company from 1755, and died in 1777.

The case maker is James Nicholson of London whose mark was IN (incuse) under a crescent.

PROVENANCE : The Collection of Dr Trevor Hyde, Sydney.