Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, Nov 13, 2011

LOT 194

ST. LEU, GOLD TRIPLE-CASED QUARTER STRIKING CLOCKWATCH Daniel de St. Leu, Watchmaker to Her Majesty, London, No. 1171. Made for the Islamic market, circa 1790. Very fine and very rare, 18K gold and underpainted horn, triple-cased, two-train, quarter-striking clock watch with a five-strand giltmetal chain and crank key.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

USD 16,000 - 22,000 / EUR 12,000 - 16,000

Sold: CHF 21,250

C. Outer: Two-body, horn underpainted in imitation of moss agate , gold piqué work decoration, gold bezels and pierced and engraved sound holes. Second: Two-body, gold, the back engraved with a musical trophy, repousse border, the edge and bezel pierced and engraved for sound. Inner: Two-body, the back engraved with fl owers, fi nely pierced band with engraved foliate scrolls. Gilt brass dust cap. D. White enamel with radial Islamic numerals, outer dot minute divisions and Islamic fi ve minute markers. Gold beetle and poker hands. M. 44 mm., gilt brass full plate with ring-turned cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, three-arm balance, fl at balance spring, gilt brass single-foot balance cock pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage, silver regulation dial with Islamic numerals, striking with two polished steel hammers on a bell in the back of the case, strike-silent selection lever on the bezel. Dial, dust cap and movement signed. Diam. 72 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2-24

Very good

Slightly chipped
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Daniel De St. Leu This very fi ne maker succeeded Rivers & Son to the post of maker to the Queen in 1765. It is easy to see why Queen Charlotte favoured St. Leu?s work as it is always delicately executed and often uses fl oral or musical motifs. The interest in horology of her husband, King George III, cannot have failed to have had some bearing on the Queen?s own choice of her watch and clockmakers.