-Bailey Banks & Biddle 1910 Edwardian Enamel Watch In 14Kt Gold With Diamonds

Edwardian pendant clock designed by Bailey Banks & Biddle.

An absolutely exquisite piece created by Longines for the American jewelry company of Bailey Banks & Biddle, during the Edwardian period back in the 1910. Crafted in solid yellow gold of 14 karats and embellished with sun ray engine turned guilloche, toped with purple-blue glass enamel and accents in white enamel. The watch remain in excellent physical condition with absolutely no replacement in any gemstone or parts.

Case: Signed Wittnauer & Co. with Swiss 14Kt mark. The stem is decorated with white enamel with matching swiveling bow. The crown is set with a cabochon of amethyst. Bombe crystal.

Dial: Gilt metal, with black Arabic numbers and dotted frame, secondary dial for the seconds, three blued steel hands. Signed Bailey, Banks & Biddle Co. 

Movement: Mechanical, 15 jewel pendant wind and set Swiss bridge plate movement, signed Longines W. Co. and Bailey, Banks & Biddle, Philadelphia.

Diamonds: Mount in millegrain settings, with 6 Old European rose cut diamonds, 0.31 carats, white colorless F color, VS-2 clarity.

Amethyst: The crown is mounted, with 1 round cabochon cut of purple amethyst of about 0.15 carats.

Weight: 16.95 Grams, (10.87 Dwt).

Measures: 38 mm by 26 mm (1.50 x 1.02 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the gold and signed, "Bailey Banks & Biddle Co".

Bailey Banks & Biddle

Bailey Banks & Biddle is an American jewelry firm that formed in 1832 and quickly became a recognized leader in jewelry fashion. The firm developed a reputation for offering high quality, well-designed jewelry as evidenced by its commissions to design the first 40,000 Purple Hearts for the United States military as well as to create the Naval Academy and West Point class rings. Bailey Biddle & Banks, was originally known as Bailey & Kitchen. Was founded at 136 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, on September 20, 1832, by Joseph Trowbridge Bailey and Andrew B. Kitchen. This makes Bailey Banks & Biddle the Oldest Nationwide Jeweler in America and quickly became a recognized leader in the jewelry fashion. By the late 19th century, the firm’s reputation was solidified as one of the country’s leading jewelers and go-to source for all manner of fine things. The partnership was dissolved in November 1846. It was reformed with new partners as Bailey & Co. in 1841, and on March 1, 1878, again re-established as Bailey Banks & Biddle. From about 1852-1862, the company made its own silver; they were principally supplied by Taylor and Lawrie before 1852, and from about 1862-1870, by George B. Sharp. After 1870, they resold silver from a variety of manufacturers.

Edwardian Jewelry 

This Period was during the King Edward VII, after whom this period of jewelry history is named, reigned over England for only nine years, yet the style of jewelry known as “Edwardian” was created roughly between 1890 and 1920. Edwardian-era rings tend to be larger, opulent pieces, and stacked ring designs were popular. The metal surfaces of the rings were often diamond-encrusted for additional shimmer. Each of these rings is a work of art, showcasing a bygone era of grace, elegance and the royalty the Edwardian era is named for.

Guilloché 

This technique is used in fine jewelry to enhance the appearance of brooches, rings and pendants. Guilloché enamel refers to metal pieces that have been given the Guilloché treatment and then covered with a translucent layer of enamel, giving the geometric patterns underneath the enamel a colorful hue.

Millegrain 

This is a difficult jewelry technique, which refers to the textural effect of a close-set line of metal beads that are typically used as a border on the edges or bezels of jewelry, mostly in platinum.

Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Condition: The overall condition of this pocket watch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold and all gemstones are secured in the settings. The guilloche is perfect. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and the authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P112323FORM/.3178