The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 22

William Garrett, London, No. 219, circa 1775.Very fine and very rare faceted glass scent flask overlaid with 20 ct. gold, fitted with a watch, compass and mirror compartment, made for the Chinese market.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

USD 18,000 - 24,000

Sold: CHF 43,700

C. Rich emerald green faceted glass flask overlaid with repoussé gold, with rocailles, exotic birds, swags, and flowers, the centre fitted with a watch on one side and compass on the other within Burma ruby bezels. The stopper of the flask fitted with a winding key set with garnets, the neck and base decorated with paste stones.D. White enamel, Roman chapters with outer minute divisions. Blued-steel 'poker and beetle hands'.M. 20.7 mm o, hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain three-arm brass balance, single-footed cock pierced and engraved with an eagle in flight, silver rack and pinion regulating plate.Signed on the movement.Dim. Length 132 mm, width 54mm. Published in the Sandberg book, page 384-385.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 6 - 12
Movement: 3 - 5 - 6*
Dial: 4 - 19 - 01

Notes

Garrett Williamis listed as having been active in London, between 1770 and 1815.George Graham (1673-1751).One of the most eminent British makers, inventor of the dead-beat escapement (1715) and the mercury pendulum (1726). In 1725 he improved the cylinder escapement to the present form. In 1688 he became apprentice to Henry Aske for seven years, admitted as a freeman of the Clockmaker's Company in 1695 and immediately started working for Thomas Tompion. In 1696 he married Tompion's niece Elizabeth. After Tompion's death in 1713, Graham continued the business at the same address, at the sign of Dialnd Three Crowns, at the corner of Water Lane, in Fleet Street, London. In 1720 he moved to a new house, The Dial and One Crown, at the other side of the same street, nearer Fleet Bridge, where he remained until his death. Graham was elected as Fellow of the Royal Society in 1721 and chosen as Member of the Council of that body in 1722. He contributed 21 papers on various subjects to the Philosophical Translations. He became Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1722.