Exceptional horologic works of art

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003

LOT 102

Henry Thornton, London, No. 1261, probably made for the Russian market, circa 1730. Very fine 20K gold diamond- and garnet-set pair-cased quarter-repeating verge watch.

C. Outer: double-body, pierced for sound, chased, diamond- and garnet-set in silver mounts (some missing) diamond-set thumb-piece. Inner: double-body, rococo pierced and engraved decoration with dolphins, foliate scrolls, heroic mask at 6 and village scene at 12 o'clock, gilt dust cap. D. Gold, radial Roman chapter ring, outer Arabic five minutes, blued steel “Beetle and poker” hands. M. 32 mm (14”'), hinged, gilt brass, full plate with column pillars, fusee with chain, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass balance cock pierced and engraved with foliage and mask, repeating on bell by depressing the pendant. Case punched with French gold guarantee marks.Dial, movement and dust cap signed.Diam. 48 mm.