The Mondani Collection of Rolex Wrist...

Geneva, May 14, 2006

LOT 766

?Order of the Garter? C(harles) Cabrier, London, No. 1073. Made circa 1710. Fine and rare, 22K gold, pair-cased, double-train hourstriking clockwatch.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

EUR 5,000 - 6,500 / USD 6,000 - 8,000

Sold: CHF 19,470

C. Outer: two-body, the bezel and band pierced and engraved with graduated circles, the center finely decorated with a chased medallion of St. George and the Dragon with a border inscribed ?Honi Soit Qvi Mal Y Pense?, square hinge. Inner: two-body, "bassine" form, polished split bezel, the band pierced and engraved with inhabited foliage and two vignettes of rural landscapes, loose ring pendant. D. Gold champlevé with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five-minute numerals, the center with chased foliate signature cartouches. Blued steel "tulip and poker" hands. M. Hinged gilt brass, full-plate, double-train with pierced and divided vase pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm steel balance, flat balance-spring. Gilt brass winged cock pierced and engraved with a mask and foliage. Striking train with fixed gilt brass pierced and engraved barrel with revolving arbor, striking on a bell mounted in the back of the case, strike/silence lever in the bezel. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 57 mm. To be sold without reserve


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The depiction of St. George and the Dragon within the motto ?Honi Soit Qvi Mal Y Pense? is the motto of the Order of the Garter, the Oldest and Highest British Order of Chivalry, founded in 1348 by Edward III. The Order consists of the monarch, who is Sovereign of the Order, The Prince of Wales and 24 Knight Companions. The present watch would have been an extremely expensive item when new and could only have been afforded by a very rich customer. It is likely therefore that the present watch was bought or presented when the owner was installed as a Knight of the Garter. Charles Cabrier is recorded as being active between 1690 and 1726. He became free of the Clockmakers? Company on 1697. His son, also named Charles, was apprenticed to him in 1719. A repoussé and enamel repeating watch by him is in the British Museum.