Joseph Martineau, Senr, London. An exceptional, fine and rare gold and ruby set key wind triple case pocket watch with shagreen outer case
Date: Circa 1760
Movement: Gilt full plate fusee verge, plain 3-arm balance, pierced and engraved winged balance cock, silver regulation, square baluster pillars, No.962
Dial: White enamel chapter with black Roman numeral hour markers interspersed with 12 rubies, black outer minute track with Arabic numeral 5 minute markers, further rubies set as inner and outer bands comprising of 44 stones, gilt Louis XV style hands
Case: Polished inner, numbered 962, exceptional middle case set with 10 rings of rubies to the back and 2 rows to the front bezel comprising of 383 rubies in total, ruby set release button and stem, outer studded shagreen case with exhibition glass
Signed: Movement, inner case stamped SG
Size: 54mm
Accompaniments: Sotheby's catalogue dated 15 December 1958
Footnotes:
The current lot is a stunning example of 18th century horology at its best combining the art of watchmaking with exquisite gem setting. In total there are 441 rubies individually set forming a perfect radiating circle to the back and bezel of the middle case and further decoration to the dial. When it is taken into consideration that this watch is around 350 years old it is simply astounding all the different components and actions that needed to happen for just the watch case alone to be created – from the setting of the rubies to the actual sourcing of the stones. London in the 18th century was a melting pot of imports coming from all around the world and precious stones were a part of this. Based on the colour these could be Burmese rubies and again the volume of stones for just one piece is an indicator of how much wealth and demand for luxury there was in London during this period. The condition remains remarkable and shows that this timepiece was as much of a treasure now as when it was first made.

Joseph Martineau is recorded in Loomes as working in London from 1744-94, first at Orange Street and then later at St. Martins Court.

Provenance:
Sothebys December 15th 1958, Lot 136, purchased for £380
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: Y
Y Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.