Antiquorum Auctioneers since 1974

Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, May 31, 2026

LOT 130

CHARLES FRODSHAM, DUO-IN-UNO, CHRONOMETER, POCKET WATCH, 18K YELLOW GOLD

HKD 90,000 - 160,000

EUR 9,800 - 17,500 / CHF 9,000 - 16,000 / USD 11,500 - 20,500 / JPY 1,800,000 - 3,200,000

Sold: HKD 812,500

An extremely rare and impressive, large, key-less, open-faced, 18K yellow gold detent escapement chronometer pocket watch with Duo-In-Uno hairspring, silver dial, Roman numerals, (up/down) power reserve indication, and movement plate engraved: “By Appointment to the King, Chas Frodsham, 27 South Molton St. London, No 09792, AD Fmsz.” 


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-8-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

Slightly scratched

HANDS Original

Brand Charles Frodsham

Model Duo-In-Uno Hairspring, Chronometer

Year circa 1918

Movement No. 09792

Case No. 09792

Caliber Frosted gilded three-quarter plate chronometer movement, with duo-in-uno hairspring

Diameter 60mm.

Weight 200gr. (approx.)

Signature dial, case and movement

Notes

Charles Frodsham (1810–1871) and his successors were among the most respected English chronometer makers, holding royal warrants and supplying precision instruments to the Admiralty and the Royal Navy. The “AD Fmsz” marking (a cryptogram signifying “Anno Domini 1850”) was used by the firm from the mid-19th century onward as a hallmark of their highest-quality work.

This particular gold deck chronometer No. 09792, produced around 1918, features the rare detent escapement, the distinctive “Duo in Uno” hairspring, and all the refinements expected of Frodsham’s top-grade observatory instruments.

The watch is in very good original condition, and represents a pinnacle of early 20th-century English precision watchmaking.