Description

Folks we have a very special offering for your consideration in this truly stunning antique Spaulding & Co. Pendant Watch and Brooch circa 1890’s. This stunning timepiece is truly a rare find with the finest in craftsmanship and elegance in design. This fine timepiece is comprised of 18K Yellow Gold, Platinum, Rose Cut Diamonds with a detachable brooch that can be worn separately. This exquisite timepiece is of historical significance in that few timepieces were manufactured with such lineage, artistry in design and execution. Mr. Spaulding had a long relationship with Black, Ball & Co. and then Tiffany and Co. both the world leading jewelry houses of the day. He was with Tiffany from 1871 through 1889 when he opened Spaulding & Co. in Chicago Ill.; I did include a short bio below. This piece was created by a master stone setter being able to set 409 miner-cut stones in a well-formed interwoven pattern along with 14 Emeralds set in strategic areas to help form the beautiful Diamond pattern. The stones are of exceptional quality and craftsmanship in stone cutting. The Diamond weight is approximately 2 carats and the Emeralds approximately .50 carat. The watch and brooch are also inlaid with beautiful blue Guilloche Enameling. A truly exceptional timepiece of historical significance from the jewelry house of Spaulding & Co. I so hope the many images and magnification helps with the description.

This is a very interesting timepiece; the watch itself has no hallmark or manufactures information, common of the Swiss movements from this the late 1800’s. The movement is uncommon in that it is an incredibly small movement for the day, adding to the overall spectacular craftsmanship of this piece. This Swiss movement was installed in the case and brooch made in the United States by the Spaulding & Co. Jewelers. Spaulding & Co. was founded in 1889 in Chicago Illinois. The watch consists of a gold-tone dial with black enamel Arabic numerals and “Spaulding” the retailer’s name on the dial. On the watch itself again has the retailer’s name on the face and highlighted blue-steel hands. The dial itself is beautifully crafted with an ornate flower pattern, stunning craftsmanship. Exact timing on this movement cannot be guaranteed, it will be very close to accurate as designed. It is rare to find an heirloom timepiece of such spectacular craftsmanship. Mr. Spaulding sold to royalty around the world and this is the quality that would have been ordered. This fine timepiece is sure to be appreciated for many generations to come.

Mr. Spaulding and the Spaulding & Co. have the most impressive history. Mr. Spaulding had a long relationship with Black, Ball & Co. and then Tiffany and Co. the two leading jewelry houses of the day. Making the history of this timepiece so very exceptional. He was truly a leader in the field of fine stones and jewelry. The history is so interesting I had to share these details. I have sited a portion of the background information on Mr. Spaulding and his impressive and extensive experience.

“There are many experts in gems and jewels, both in this country and throughout the Old World, but in Henry Abiram Spaulding, head of the celebrated house of Spaulding & Co., Chicago possesses one whose opportunities to inform himself almost infallibly in all departments of the lore of the jeweler’s art have not been surpassed by those of any other connoisseur in the Old World or the New; and, as few men have had more to do with the extension of the American jewelry trade in foreign lands than Mr. Spaulding, his career has attracted the widest notice and comment, and is one which must prove exceptionally interesting, not only to the student of international commerce, but especially to citizens of Chicago who desire to know something of their most successful contemporary. Mr. Spaulding In 1857 was offered and accepted a place in the great New York establishment of Ball, Black & Co., at the time America’s leading and the world famous jewelry house. There he was afforded exceptional opportunity to acquire knowledge of gems and jewels, which he perfected in his subsequent experience. His connection with this house continued until 1864, when he engaged in the jewelry trade for himself, in New York, as a member of the firm of Browne & Spaulding, which was in existence until 1871. Attracted by his success, the celebrated house of Tiffany & Co. made him a most flattering proposition to become its general representative in Europe; and in 1871 he entered upon a memorably successful career with this establishment, which resulted in the bestowal upon it of prestige such as no other American house ever had, and ended only when Mr. Spaulding engaged in his present enterprise in Chicago. During the whole period of, his connection with Tiffany & Co. Mr. Spaulding had headquarters in Paris, France. Probably no other man, certainly no other American, has had such an opportunity as was his to examine the world’s famous gems.”

Source: Industrial Chicago – Volume 4 – 1894

This information is derived from discussion with many experts in both antique jewelry and pocket watches. This Spaulding & Co. jewelry is truly an exceptional timepiece. Royalty from around the globe sought out jewelry from Mr. Spaulding for his exceptional quality and craftsmanship. If you are interested in an extended biography on Mr. Spaulding I would be happy to help. Or if any additional information is need I would be happy to help with that also. This pendant watch and brooch is so exquisite I could not get all of the details in this description.

This is excellent example of the late 19th Century ingenuity that made the American Pocket Watch and American Jewelry a worldwide standard for accuracy and beauty in timekeeping.

This Antique Pocket Watches has just been serviced which includes clean, oil and adjustment for accuracy. The pendant and watch case have not been deep or steam cleaned, that option is for the next owner. This pocket watch is warrantied for one full year to preform as designed.