This exceptionally large watch was intended, while protected by its tortoiseshell case, to be hung on the inside of a carriage when travelling. It has a carillon of five bells and an hour striker (but the sound is too soft to be heard clearly anymore). The dial of Turkish numerals and the military trophy of Ottoman emblems on the back suggest it belonged to a Turkish patron. Although marked, it has not been possible to identify satisfactorily the maker of the watch or the case thus far. It is most likely that it was made and assembled in Geneva, and retailed in Marseilles where there was brisk trade with the Turkish market. The names of 'Jh. de Costa' and 'Roquerbe' found on elements of the watch may be names of retailers or watch assemblers.
c.1830
Gold, enamel, brass and steel, chased, blued, enamelled and gilded
W301
Images and text © Wallace Collection, 2017
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The Wallace Collection
Permanent collection