Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

Hong Kong, Jun 08, 2008

LOT 315

Power-Reserve Indication - Maritime Interest Charles Frodsham, 84, Strand, London, AD.FMSZ No. 03210. The case with London hallmarks for 1865-1866. Very fine and rare, 18K gold pocket chronometer with spring footed-detent escapement and power-reserve indication. Presented to Captain William Watts of the steamer "Lady Wodehouse" by the Underwriters for the seamanship displayed by him on 24th & 25th January 1875.

HKD 50,000 - 65,000

USD 6,500 - 8,500 / EUR 4,000 - 5,200

Sold: HKD 60,000

C. Three-body, "bassine et filets", mastermark TH, engine-turned with polished borders, reeded band. Fixed gold cuvette engraved "Presented to Capt.n William Watts by the Underwriters of The Steamer Lady Wodehouse as a mark of their appreciation of the seamanship displayed by him on 24th & 25th January 1875". D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds and power reserve indication. Blued steel pear hands. M. 18"', frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate, jewels in screwed chatons, fusee with chain and maintaining power, spring footed-detent, Earnshaw's chronometer escapement, free-sprung cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold meantime and temperature adjustment screws, blued steel helical balance spring, diamond endstone. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 48.5 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-15

Good

Slightly rusted
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The 843 ton steamboat "Lady Wodehouse" was built in 1865 for the British and Irish Steam Packet Company (known as the B&I), founded in 1836. It is not recorded what the act of seamanship displayed by Captain Watts entailed, however, the ship evidently survived the ordeal and operated until 1897 when she was broken up.