CHATELAINE POCKET WATCH BY CHARLES OUDIN PARIS, CIRCA 1830

Watch case of ebony, with Roman numerals on white enamel round markers across the front of the case. The white dial with Arabic...

CHATELAINE POCKET WATCH BY CHARLES OUDIN PARIS, CIRCA 1830

Watch case of ebony, with Roman numerals on white enamel round markers across the front of the case. The white dial with Arabic numerals, is signed CH. OUDIN BREVETÉ and PALAIS ROYAL 52 The back displays a monogram of RB and a crown, in sterling silver. The chatelaine designed to hang on a belt comprising leather and sterling silver, the key with ebony component hangs by chain from chatelaine. Length of chatelaine and pocket watch approx. 18cm, pocket watch width approx. 4cm

 

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so the saying goes, and in the case of precious materials used in jewellery production, numerous replicates were fashioned to substitute the real thing. The inclination behind their simulation was twofold, both practical and aesthetic. To improve the durability of rubber and to mimic the quality of jet, a moulding process was developed using high temperatures and sulphur. However, while it may have enhanced its strength, it did little to the appearance. Unlike jet, the colour was a dull brown and lacked the sharp definition of its original. There was more success to be had with ebonite, a substitute for ebony wood. A later technique was developed that extended the vulcanizing process to increase the amount of sulphur which ensured it retained its colour for longer. Once moulded it was polished to high finish. This present example is ornamented with silver accents and could be suspended from the wearers waist by the leather chatelaine. Another example of the ebonite pocket watch by the same maker, Charles Oudin of the renowned French horologist family, is housed in the collections of the British Museum.

 

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