Outstanding gold timepiece by “the father of Chinese watches” comes to auction
Numerous 18th and 19th century watchmakers in Geneva and London made their living by manufacturing watches for the Chinese market, many destined for the Chinese Emperor and members of his court. One of the pioneers in this field was William Ilbery who was active in London from about 1780 until his death in 1839.
Ilbery is often considered as the father of Chinese watches. An outstanding example of his craftsman…