James UPJOHN, London, circa 1770 Pocket watch in 18k (750 thousandths) yellow gold surrounded by Greek friezes in opaque white and transparent royal blue enamel. The back is decorated with alternating lines of white and transparent blue enamel, and in the center, on opaque pink enamel, a painted urn flanked by two gargoyle-like figures. The urn was a particularly popular decoration in art from the 17th to the 19th century, recalling the Ars Moriendi theme of the late Middle Ages. By reminding people that the urn of their ashes is ready, it encourages them to live a good life and behave as well as possible. After all, no one knows what the ultimate sentence will be between heaven and hell, purgatory being no more than a transit zone of varying length. Excellent condition. Beautiful gilded metal key. Manual mechanical movement with key (present). Verge escapement movement. Plate signed and numbered 3922. Beautifully chased and decorated movement. Painted enamel dial with Roman and Arabic numerals at the top. Very good condition. Functional at time of appraisal. Gross weight: 80.1 g. James Upjohn, a renowned London watchmaker, was registered with the trade from at least 1749 until 1773, when he worked under his own name. From 1773, he was known as James Upjohn & Co.