Duplex Watch For Chinese Market

This is an English or Swiss centre seconds duplex escapement watch, made for the Chinese market probably by the Bovet or Fleurier, around 1850.

MOVEMENT : Highly engraved duplex movement, jewelled, with steel ‘bat wing’ balance wheel. Good condition, and running well, with the gilding still bright.

Signed in Chinese characters, and protected by a glass (synthetic) cover.

Running well and all in good condition.

DIAL : A good white enamel dial. In perfect condition. Blued steel hands.

CASE : Silver, with pseudo London hallmarks, and case number 12814. The case is engraved with the same Chinese characters as the movement.

In very good condition. The hinge is fine and the back cover springs open when the button on the stem is pressed. It also snaps shut correctly.

The crystal is perfect and the bow and stem are fine.

Watches by Bovet of London or Fleurier of Switzerland were sent to China up until about 1864. They were often marketed as ‘Bovet Fleurier’.