James Upjohn, London

• gilt full plate movement, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, flat steel three-arm balance, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute track, gold Louis style hands • gold case, amphora to case back decorated with champlevé enamel, imperial blue background, ribbon and green palm fronds in basse-taille enamel, the front and back bezels with decorative white and translucent blue enamel borders, plain pendant, case back hallmarked London 1771 with maker's mark DA for Daniel Aveline • movement signed Jas Upjohn, London 5783

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 244, pl. 150

The champlevé tied ribbon to the case back symbolizes harmony, whilst the crossed palm fronds represent victory and peace.                             

James Upjohn is the best known member of an Exeter family of makers. He is thought to have had his movements made, or at least finished, in Exeter. The Upjohns exported their watches mainly to the Dutch market.  Baillie, in Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, notes that James Upjohn was based  initially at Threadneedle St. in London before moving to Lombard St. in 1765.  He was later to be found at Red Lion Street.