Gregson, London, No. 3865, hallmarked 1808. Very rare and unusual, silver half-hunting cased, pocket chronometer. | Important Collectors Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, Clock | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 20th October 1991

Important Collectors Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 20, 1991

LOT 49

Gregson, London, No. 3865, hallmarked 1808. Very rare and unusual, silver half-hunting cased, pocket chronometer.

CHF 3,200 - 3,500

Sold: CHF 5,060

Three body, massive, "demi-bassine" engine turned "à grains d'orge", with gold hinges, the cover with a small dial aperture. Gilt brass cuvette hinged to the movement. D. White enamel with Breguet numerals, inner halfhunter dial and subsidiary seconds (hair cracks). Later minute hand. M. Frosted and gilt, Lépine's caliber with free standing barrel. Early spring detent escapement of unusual type, plain brass three armed balance, flat balance spring. Signed on the cuvette. In working order; Diam. 57 mm.

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Notes

This watch appears to be an experimental piece as it is made with a French Lepine caliber movement, but the cuvette is fully signed in English and the case clearly hallmarked. Furthermore there are no known chronometer watches made by Gregson while he was in France. It therefore seems likely that he brought a stock of unfinished movements with him when he returned to England.