Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 549

Quarter-Striking Clockwatch Daniel de St. Leu,Watchmaker to HerMajesty, London, caseNo. 11357.Made for the Islamic market, circa 1795. Very fine and rare, large, 18K gold and shagreen, pair-cased, quarter-striking clock watch.

CHF 45,000 - 65,000

USD 42,000 - 60,000 / EUR 28,000 - 40,000

C. Outer: Two-body, gilt-metal, shagreen-covered, scallop-edged, the back with four gilt foliate demi-lune sound frets, the bezel decorated to match. Inner: two body: ?bassine?, master mark IE, the band finely engraved and pierced with foliage, polished bezel. Gilt brass dust cap. D. White enamel with radial Islamic numerals, outer dot minute divisions and Islamic five minute numerals. Gold beetle and poker hands. M. 43 mm., gilt brass full plate with ringed cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm brass balance, gilt brass single-footed balance cock pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage, silver regulation dial with Isalmic numerals, striking on a bell in the back of the case, strike-silent selection lever on the bezel. Dial, dust cap and back plate signed. Diam.66 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This watch is a particularly fine example of an English clockwatch of the late 18th century made for export to the East. The outer case which is covered in green shagreen (ray skin) is much rarer than the usual tortoiseshell covering.
For a biography of Daniel de St Leu, see previous lot.