John Arnold No. 72/373, movement made in 1784, later case with London hallmarks for 1862. Extremely rare and fine, silver, early pocket chronometer. | Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks & Ulysse Nardin Jubilee | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 12th October 1996

Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 12, 1996

LOT 400

John Arnold No. 72/373, movement made in 1784, later case with London hallmarks for 1862. Extremely rare and fine, silver, early pocket chronometer.

CHF 6,000 - 7,000

C. Later four body, "bassine et filets, polished. Hinged silver cuvette. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. Gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with maintaining power, typical Arnold spring detent escapement, the detent made in one piece, including the locking piece and with shaped foot, and sunk in the back plate, "OZ" compensated balance, diamond endstone, free sprung gold isochronous helical balance spring with patented incurved ends and amplitude timing device on the balance. Signed on the dial and back plate. In very good condition. Diam. 53 mm

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Although it was recased in 1862, this pocket chronometer, built in 1784, is most important from the technical point of view. It presents, still in original condition, most of the features patented by John Arnold: His spring detent escapement sunk in the back plate, as originally made in one piece including the locking piece and with the shaped foot, his famous "OZ" balance with amplitude timing device and the gold helical spring with an early attempt of terminal curves. It can be considered as a major testimony of early British chronometry.