Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

New York, Mar 10, 2011

LOT 137

S.H. Arnolt - Yellow Gold - Chronograph S. H. Arnolt, Warsaw, Indiana, Swiss, case No. 32167. Made in the 1960s. , Fine and rare, massive, 18K yellow gold watch converted to a pocket watch with square button chronograph, register, tachometer and telemeter.

USD 3,000 - 5,000

CHF 3,000 - 5,000 / EUR 2,200 - 3,700

Sold: USD 15,000

C. Four-body, solid, polished and brushed, inclined bezel, metal dust cap. D. Black with painted luminous Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds and 30-minute register, outer 1/5th seconds scale with 5-second Arabic markers, outermost red tachometer and telemeter graduation. Luminous yellow gold epee hands. M. Cal. 14''', rhodium-plated, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, selfcompensating Breguet balance spring. Dial signed, numbered on the case. Diam. 52 mm. Thickness 12 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Stanley Harold Arnolt was an industrialist and founder of the Arnolt-Bristol sports car company. He made a fortune selling machinery and engines to the United States military during World War II and used it to become a distributer of MGs and Bristol motor cars in North America. The Arnolt-Bristol car, a mix of Bristol and BMW components, was created in 1952. The car was discontinued in the 1960s after a fatal accident in 1957. The present watch was made to order for S.H. Arnolt and features his name on the dial. Originally the watch was made as a large wristwatch to be worn outside of a jacket, however a watchmaker has removed the lugs. Using two of the remaining lugs, the watchmaker then created a rectangular bow for the crown to create a large, thin, and unique pocket watch.