Important Watches, Pocket Watches and...

Noga Hilton Hotel, Nov 13, 2005

LOT 33

William Threlkeld, London, No. 626. London hallmark for 1733. Fine, quarter repeating, pair-cased, 18K gold and shagreen pocket watch with early use of the cylinder escapement. Accompanied by an additional gold and enamel outer case, custom made circa 1770.

CHF 12,000 - 18,000

EUR 8,000 - 12,000 / USD 9,500 - 14,000

Sold: CHF 11,500

C. Outer: two-body, the bezel and back overlaid with shagreen and decorated with a gold pinwork monogram and borders. Inner: two-body, maker?s mark WW, with foliate pierced and engraved band. Gilt brass dust cover. Additional case: circa 1770, two-body, maker?s mark DA, the bezel decorated with a dark blue enamel Greek-key pattern and pie-crust borders, the back engine-turned and with a dark blue enamel monogram and further initials suspended from a ribbon, Greek-key border to match the bezel. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals. Blued steel ?beetle and poker? hands. M. 30 mm., gilt brass full-plate with baluster pillars, fusee with chain, cylinder escapement with brass escape-wheel, three-arm steel balance with flat balance spring, diamond endstone, pierced, chased and engraved balance cock, silver regulation dial, repeating with two hammers on a bell in the back of the case activated by depressing the pendant. Movement and dust cover signed. Diam. 49 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-51

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The inner case of the present watch is stamped with the London date letter mark for 1733 and retains its original outer case. A further outer case dating from circa 1770 has been custom-made for this watch and can be used as an alternative. Many watches were provided with replacement outer cases to keep abreast of fashion. The old case was usually discarded; it is unusual for the original outer case to have survived. The cylinder escapement was improved or invented by George Graham in 1726 and used by him in preference to the verge from this date onwards. The present watch is a good example of the early adoption of the cylinder escapement by another maker working in the same area as Graham?s workshop.