Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, May 15, 2011

LOT 541

Losada - Spring Detent Chronometer for The Spanish Royal Family J. R. Losada, 105 Regent Street, London, No. 4622. Made for a member of the Spanish Royal family, the case with London hallmarks for 1860-1861. Very fine and rare, 18K gold, hunting cased, pocket chronometer with free-sprung footed spring detent escapement. Accompanied by the original Losada fitted box.

CHF 8,000 - 12,000

USD 8,800 - 13,000 / EUR 6,000 - 9,000

Sold: CHF 19,375

C. Four-body, bassine et filets, by Alfred Stram, master mark AS, entirely engraved with a Moresque foliate decoration, the front cover with central engraved initials YF beneath the Bourbon Crown. Hinged gold cuvette with foliate engraving. D. Silver, foliate engraved with radial Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds, inner and outer borders with applied gold cast leaf decoration. Blued steel fleur-de-lys hands. M. 40 mm., frosted and gilt, half-quarter plate, fusee and chain, jeweled to the third wheel in screwed settings, footed spring detent escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, free-sprung blued steel helical balance spring, diamond endstone, foliate engraved cock. Movement signed. Diam. 50 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

The present watch has survived in particularly good condition. It was sold to a member of the Spanish Royal family as attested to by the engraved crown of the Bourbon Kings engraved above the initials. J.R. LOSADA born in Iruela, Léon, Losada was attached to the Spanish court, but emigrated to London in 1835 for political reasons. He worked for James Moore before establishing himself first in Euston Road, later in Regent Street. From there he carried on a specialized trade in very fine quality timepieces, many of which were exported to Spain. For merit in his art he was awarded the Cross of Charles III and the Order of Comendador de Numero of Isabella the Catholic by Queen Isabella II. The business was continued after his death by his nephews José and Miguel Rodriguez de Riego until about 1890. David Glasgow, author of the well-known and valuable treatise, Watch and Clockmaking (London 1885 & 1807) spent a part of his career working for Losada. Without a royal warrant in England, Losada nonetheless described himself on his trade card as "Maker to all the crowned heads of Europe".