Live Auction 2610Important Watches
George Prior. A Fine 18k Gold and Enamel Openface Pair-Case Verge Watch Made for the Turkish Market
Lot 234

George Prior. A Fine 18k Gold and Enamel Openface Pair-Case Verge Watch Made for the Turkish Market

SIGNED GEORGE PRIOR, LONDON, NO. 40'767, INNER CASE STAMPED WITH LONDON DATE LETTER FOR 1813

Closed14 December 2012

Price Realised

USD 8,125

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George Prior. A Fine 18k Gold and Enamel Openface Pair-Case Verge Watch Made for the Turkish Market
Signed George Prior, London, No. 40'767, Inner Case Stamped with London Date Letter for 1813
Full-plate gilt-finished verge movement, chain fusée, pierced and engraved balance cock, silver regulator dial, elaborate pillars, white enamel dial, Turkish numerals, plain inner case, scalloped outer case with polychrome enamel design motif on pink enamel border on the front and back of the case, polychrome enamel landscape scene on the back depicting a castle and bridge with a boat in the distance, movement and dial signed, movement numbered, case stamped with case maker AN and London date letter for 1813
36mm diam.

Specialist note

George Prior was recorded as working in London from 1793-1830, and was a watchmaker specializing in the production of watches and clocks for the Turkish market.

From the 18th century onward, the Ottoman Empire's upper class developed a taste for European watches, which were distinguished by the Turkish numerals and highly decorated dials and cases, often with enamel scenes and fitted with multiple cases.