18th Century Watch Cock Necklace
A remarkable necklace formed from eighteen watch cocks, cleverly connected to sit perfectly around the neck. Watch cocks were made to protect the delicate internal mechanisms - the verge escarpments - in pocketwatches produced during the the 16th through 18th centuries, and over time their creators developed their craft into an art-form. Like snowflakes, no two are alike, and the details - engraved and openworked - are breathtaking. These examples are French (you can tell by their shape, the English ones have an extra section beneath the disc) and they're crafted in gilt metal. a change in pocket watch technology meant that by the end of the 18th century people began replacing their old, inferior watches for new models, and the watch cocks were salvaged to be made into jewellery.
Era: Georgian, circa 1780
Length: 15.5 inches
Panel size: 19.8mm by 19.8mm
Marks: None, tested as gilt metal
Condition: Good antique condition; general wear consistent with age - see images.
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs charges a 10% "Reciprocal Tariff" on all parcels coming in from the UK.
We will pay this charge on your behalf and you will see it collected as a line item at checkout.
[Last updated: September 15th, 2025]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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