Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 244

Le Roy & Son, 57 New Bond Street, London, No. 50840, with the London hallmarks for 1888. Fine 18 ct. gold, keyless, minute repeating, moon phase astronomical watch with perpetual calendar.

CHF 20,000 - 22,000

Sold: CHF 23,000

C. Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", polished, marked "H.G." (Herbert Goddard). Gold cuvette. D. White enamel with Roman numerals, 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. Bluedsteel "spade" hands. M. 18"', frosted and gilt, 26 jewels in gold screwed settings, English pointedtooth lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, blued-steel balance spring with terminal curve. Repeating on gongs with slide in the band. Chronograph with partly visible work and button in the band. Signed on the movement. In very good condition. Diam. 53 mm.


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Notes

The London branch of the Paris firm of Le Roy & Fils (which derived from the business established by Basile Charles Le Roy, c. 1785) was set up at latest by 1854 in 296 Regent Street. By 1866 they had also acquired 211 Regent Street, and by 1875 occupied both 211 & 213. By 1885 they had moved to 57 Bond Street, in which elegant thoroughfare they remained until 1952. Founded on 1st July 1880 by William Gibson and John Lawrence Langman with premises at 112 Regent Street, and becoming a limited company in 1898, the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company offered a wide range of plate, jewellery, docks and watches in their shop and catalogues. Recipients of at least nine awards in international exhibitions, they showed a novel octagonal dock with panelled sporting scenes at the 1893 Chicago World Fair. In 1952 the company acquired the crown jewellers Garrard, amalgamating the two business under Garrad's name at the original Regent Street premises. Since 1990 the company has been part of the Asprey group.