Watch
1750-1775 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This watch has an enamelled dial with Arabic numerals and an elaborate set of cases, indicating that although it was made in London, it was designed for the Eastern market, probably Turkey.
Makers
It is signed Markwick Markham London, and is numbered 14103. James Markwick and Robert Markham specialised in clocks and watches for the Turkish market, and a partnership under their joint names was in business in London from about 1725 to 1805.
Mechanism & Manufacture
The watch's mechanism comprises a going train with fusee and train, a verge escapement, steel balance and spring. It is fitted with Turkish gradations. It strikes the hours and quarters on a silver bell.
Design
Large watches of this form are known as clock-watches. Their large size allowed them to be hung from a hook in a room and used as a clock when travelling. The gilt-metal case is pierced and engraved with foliage. One of the two outer cases is similarly decorated. An extra outer case is pierced in openwork with Rococo scrolls and foliage and with panels of shagreen decorated with piqué in gold.
The Arabic numerals on the dial, the complicated chiming mechanism and multiple elaborately decorated outer cases were deliberately designed to appeal to the taste of Turkish clients for 'exotic' ornamental mechanisms from Europe.
This watch has an enamelled dial with Arabic numerals and an elaborate set of cases, indicating that although it was made in London, it was designed for the Eastern market, probably Turkey.
Makers
It is signed Markwick Markham London, and is numbered 14103. James Markwick and Robert Markham specialised in clocks and watches for the Turkish market, and a partnership under their joint names was in business in London from about 1725 to 1805.
Mechanism & Manufacture
The watch's mechanism comprises a going train with fusee and train, a verge escapement, steel balance and spring. It is fitted with Turkish gradations. It strikes the hours and quarters on a silver bell.
Design
Large watches of this form are known as clock-watches. Their large size allowed them to be hung from a hook in a room and used as a clock when travelling. The gilt-metal case is pierced and engraved with foliage. One of the two outer cases is similarly decorated. An extra outer case is pierced in openwork with Rococo scrolls and foliage and with panels of shagreen decorated with piqué in gold.
The Arabic numerals on the dial, the complicated chiming mechanism and multiple elaborately decorated outer cases were deliberately designed to appeal to the taste of Turkish clients for 'exotic' ornamental mechanisms from Europe.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Clockwatch with quarter-repeating movement, verge escapement and enamel dial; gilt-metal cases, the outer case embossed, chased and decorated with gold piqué work on leather |
| Brief description | Watch made for the Turkish market |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Signed 'Markwick Markham London 14103' |
| Gallery label |
|
| Object history | Made in London by the firm of Markwick and Markham (active about 1725-1805) Purchased in Istanbul in 1897 from Mrs Alice Whitaker, daughter and heir of William Henry Wrench (1836-96). Wrench was British consul in the city when he died, and he had formed a significant collection of Ottoman and Iranian objects while in the consular service. |
| Summary | Object Type This watch has an enamelled dial with Arabic numerals and an elaborate set of cases, indicating that although it was made in London, it was designed for the Eastern market, probably Turkey. Makers It is signed Markwick Markham London, and is numbered 14103. James Markwick and Robert Markham specialised in clocks and watches for the Turkish market, and a partnership under their joint names was in business in London from about 1725 to 1805. Mechanism & Manufacture The watch's mechanism comprises a going train with fusee and train, a verge escapement, steel balance and spring. It is fitted with Turkish gradations. It strikes the hours and quarters on a silver bell. Design Large watches of this form are known as clock-watches. Their large size allowed them to be hung from a hook in a room and used as a clock when travelling. The gilt-metal case is pierced and engraved with foliage. One of the two outer cases is similarly decorated. An extra outer case is pierced in openwork with Rococo scrolls and foliage and with panels of shagreen decorated with piqué in gold. The Arabic numerals on the dial, the complicated chiming mechanism and multiple elaborately decorated outer cases were deliberately designed to appeal to the taste of Turkish clients for 'exotic' ornamental mechanisms from Europe. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 365 to B-1897 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
