JOHN BROCKBANK, LONDON | A FINE GOLD AND ENAMEL PAIR CASED WATCH WITH GOLD CHAIN SUSPENDED WITH TASSELS1780, NO. 1464

• Movement: gilded full plate, later lever escapement, decoratively pierced balance cock engraved with flowers and foliage, an urn at the neck, diamond endstone, silver regulation plate, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed and numbered Jno. Brockbank, London, no.1464, gilt metal dust cap similarly signed and numbered• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer minute ring, gold beetle and poker hands • Cases: plain gold inner, the back with winding aperture, stirrup pendant and bow, hallmarked 1780, indistinct maker's mark, numbered 1 • gold outer with polychrome enamel painted central plaque depicting two maidens wrapping a garland of flowers around a female stone bust mounted on a pedestal, the scene with white opaque enamel border heightened with translucent ruby-coloured enamel roundels, the whole surrounded by a purple guilloché enamel frame with white enamel dots simulating pearls, the front and back bezels with opaque white enamel ground heightened with ruby-coloured enamel roundels • decorative pendant chains, an oval enamel central panel decorated en-suite with the case back and centred with a small enamel painted panel of a landscape to one side, the reverse with glazed reserve containing a plaited lock of hair, the chain terminating in tassels with similar decorative motifs

Time Museum, Rockford, Illinois
Sotheby's New York, Fine Watches from the Atwood Collection, 11 December, 1986, lot 204

Dial: With small scratches. Case: Inner case with light denting and depressions to the band. Outer case generally in good overall condition, some chipping and loss to opaque white enamel banding around the opening catch at the back of the case, a few small chips to white enamel band to front bezel. Some chips and cracks to enamel panel within chain, one chain detached. Movement: Running at time of cataloguing.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

John Brockbank was an English chronometer maker along with his brother, Myles.  Apprenticed in 1761, Brockbank joined the Clockmakers’ Company from 1769 until his death in 1806.  His brother apprenticed with him, and together they formed their company in 1780, which John managed until his death.  After Myles retired in 1808, their sons continued the company.  Throughout his career, Brockbank made a name for himself making precision watches with the detached escapement, and employed other notable watchmakers, including Thomas Earnshaw.