The Longitude at the Eve of the Third...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 23, 1999

LOT 296

Frazer & Haws, 31, Regent Street, London,No. 12272, with London hallmarks for 1889,made for the Indian Market.Very fine and rare 18K gold and enamel, hunting cased, diamond-set, keyless minute repeating watch.

C. Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", by Richard Macair Ball (Master mark), the band, bezels, pendant and bow with engraved decoration, turquoise enamelled front and back panels, the cover centered with rose-cut diamond inlaid star with the motto: Heaven's light our guide, within a diamond inlaid sunburst frame, the back decorated en suite with star and fancy ornaments. D. Gold with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds, fully engraved in a vermicelli pattern, the border with cast golfloral decoration. Blued steel "fleurs-de-lys" hands. Hinged gold cuvette fully engraved with decoration in an Oriental pattern and with black champlevé enamelled ornaments. M. 17''', frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate, English lateral lever escapement with pointed tooth escape wheel, cut bimetallic balance with diamond end-stone, blued-steel balance spring with terminal curve. Minute repeating on gongs with slide in the band.Signed on the back plate.Diam. 51 mm.