Important Watches, Collectors’ Wristw...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Nov 14, 2004

LOT 324

Tho(mas) Mudge - W(illiam) Dutton, London, No. 847, with London hallmarks for 1759. Fine 22K gold pair-cased quarter dumb repeating watch with à tact option.

CHF 11,000 - 13,000

EUR 7,000 - 8,000 / USD 9,000 - 10,000

C. Outer: Double-body, polished. Inner: double-body ?bassine? form, polished, punched with ?P.M.? (PeterMounier) Master mark. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Blued steel ?poker and beetle? hands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with conical pillars, fusee with chain, later lateral lever escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass cock pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage with diamond endstone, worm gear set-up. Dumbquarter repeating with all-or-nothing, the hammers striking on the case by depressing the pendant, à tact leverat 6, gilt brass dust cap.Dust cap and back plate signed.Diam. 53 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

Originally fitted with a cylinder escapement, this watch was later upgraded with an English lateral lever escapement with pointed tooth escape wheel and jeweled pallets. Thomas Mudge 1715-1794 was an apprentice of George Graham and may be considered his spiritual successor. He was one of the first makers to produce constant-force watches. His ordinary watches with cylinder escapements are constructed along the same general lines as those of Graham. In 1755 he went into partnership with William Dutton, another of Graham?s pupils. In the 1760?s he developed the free lever escapement. Along with Larcum Kendall, he was nominated in 1765 to examine Harrison?s marine watch. In 1771 he retired to Plymouth, where he devoted himself entirely to research on marine chronometers. He was also the inventor of a free escapement with remontoir, whose principle was described in the ?Philosophical Transactions? of 1794.