The Sandberg Watch Collection

Hotel Richemond, Geneva, Mar 31, 2001

LOT 332

Jefferys & Jones, casemaker's mark IM incuse for Jonah Mince, hallmarked London, 1809.Spectacular 18 ct. gold, enamel and diamond pair-cased, quarter repeating watch with matching chatelaine in original fitted Morocco box.

CHF 30,000 - 40,000

USD 18,000 - 24,000

Sold: CHF 146,500

C. Outer: two-body, the centre with translucent Imperial blue enamel over elaborate engine-turning, encircled by diamonds of unusual size and clarity, the bezel set with diamonds and decorated with two rings of blue and white enamel. The central diamond-set initials 'AW' are those of the Right Honourable Sir Arthur Wellesley, who was created Viscount Wellington the year the watch was made, and who in 1812 was honoured by Spain (Duke of Cuidad Rodrigo), and by Portugal (Marquis of Torres). He becme the first Duke of Wellington in 1814, and was given the title of Prince of Waterloo by the Netherlands in 1815. Inner: two-body, 'bassine', polished back, band engraved with two cartouches picturing an Oriental sailboat and house and pierced with scrolls, flowers and leaves. Diamond-set pendant and bow, gilt dust cap. The chatelaine is made up of eight panels of different sizes and shapes, decorated with matching blue enamel, and set with large matching diamonds. The two largest panels are conected by diamond-set chains. A matching white cornelian seal and key are suspended from the main panel by diamond-set matching chains, with two further diamond-set decorative chains finished by diamond-set tassels. D. White enamel, Arabic numerals, outer minute divisions. Gold 'arrow' diamond-set hands.M. 33.6 mm o, gilt brass full plate, cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain for the going train, cylinder escapement, brass escape wheel, plain steel three-arm balance, overbanking pin directly mounted on the staff, single-footed gilt cock symmetrically pierced and engraved, diamond endstone, striking on a bell by depressing the pendant.Signed on the movement, case stamped with casemaker's stamp and London gold marks.Diam. 56 mm, length with chatelaine 217 mm. Published in the Sandberg book, pages 186-187.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Jefferys Lot Jonesrecorded as having been active in London, Cockspur Street, before 1776 until circa 1810 . Well-known watchmakers of richly decorated watches.Judging from the high quality of the diamonds, this watch can be compared to the famous one owned by Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, who received it as a gift from Louis XVI. Diamonds of this size are hardly ever found as elements of case decoration. The impressive outer case is another indication that no effort was spared to make sure that the watch would be of the highest standards.It has been said that the initials AW on the outer case are those of the Right Honourable Sir Arthur Wellesley. He was made Viscount Wellington the same year of the making of this watch. In the same year, he was given the title of Duke of Cuidad Rodrigo by Spain and the title of Marquis of Torres by Portugal. In 1814 he became the first Duke of Wellington and a year later was given the title of Prince of Waterloo by The Netherlands. We can assume that this watch with chatelaine, dated 1809 by thhallmarks, commemorates the occasion of his becoming Viscount Wellington.