Important Collectors Wristwatches Po...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995
LOT 238
J.W. Benson, By Special Warrants of H. M. The Queen and H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, 25 Old Bond Street, London, No. 25069, with hallmarks for 1881. Very fine and rare 18 ct. gold and enamel, keyless moon phase astronomical watch with perpetual calendar and chronograph, made for H. H. Maharaja Jeswuntsing Bahadoor, G.C.S.I. Jodhpur.
CHF 80,000 - 100,000
C. Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", marked "A.S." (Arnold Schaefli), the cover enamel panel painted with the arms of the Maharaja surrounded by a scene of steeple-chase, the inside with its portrait, the back panel painted with an identical portrait, surrounded by a horse racing scene. Hinged gold cuvette engraved with the name of His Highness, and Indian inscriptions. D. White enamel with Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute and chronograph ring, sunk subsidiary dials for the days of the week, the months of the leap-year cycle, the dates and the seconds with inner moon phase aperture. Blued-steel "spade" hands. M. 19"', frosted and gilt three-quarter plate with going barrel, 19 jewels in screwed settings, pointed-tooth lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with gold screws, free sprung blued steel helical balance spring with terminal curves. Chronograph with button in the band. Signed on the back plate. In excellent condition. Diam. 55 mm.
