William Auckland, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, fusee and chain, baluster pillars, signed and numbered Wm. Auckland, London, 758
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Cases: gilt metal inner, back with winding aperture • outer with 'Bilston'-type enamel painted scene of two lovers in Arcadian setting with classical ruins, yellow raised cartouche, white stippled border, bezel with polychrome flowers

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 229, pl. 139

Movement running at time of cataloguing. Dial with hairline and chip between 2 and 3 o'clock, some chipping around case catch, Gilding to inner case rubber and worn, Enamel to outer case restored and yellowed.
"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."

During the third quarter of the 18th century, a fashion for enamel watch cases developed. It is thought that most of these cases were made in the workshops of Birmingham and South Staffordshire and are often referred to as 'Bilston' enamel. The case of the present watch is a typical example of this work and its composition was perhaps influenced by Italianate landscape painters such as Richard Wilson (1715-1782). For further examples of Bilston enamel watches, see: Cedric Jagger, The Artistry of the English Watch, 1988, col. pl. 14, p. 126 & discussion p.51.

Baillie lists William Auckland of London as active before 1782.