Important Watches, Collectors’ Wristw...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Nov 14, 2004

LOT 3

Morris Tobias, London, No. 1017, hallmarked 1813-14. Fine and rare silver pair-cased pocket watch beating dead-seconds, with rack lever escapement.

CHF 3,000 - 5,000

EUR 2,000 - 3,000 / USD 2,500 - 4,000

Sold: CHF 2,990

C. Outer: two-body, polished. Inner, two-body, ?bassine?, polished. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, subsidiary seconds. Gold ?spade? hands. M. 44 mm, hinged, frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, jeweled to the third, fusee with Harrison's maintaining power and chain, three-wheel train, rack lever escapement with large brass escape wheel, steel balance with flat balance spring, diamond endstone, single-footed cock, gilt brass dust cap.Dial, dust cap and movement signed.Diam. 58 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 13 - 01

Notes

The present watch is based on Peter Litherland's English patent, No. 1889, of December 6, 1792, for a form of pirouette lever escapement. The term pirouette comes from Huygens who was the first to use it. In a pirouette the balance makes several revolutions during a single impulse. This allows for a long period and consequently for dead-beat seconds. Morris Tobias is recorded in London and Liverpool, from circa 1794 to 1840. Morris Tobias & Co. are recorded from 1804; Tobias & Co; in Liverpool and Lond 1808-1825. Tobias patented a clock telling time by means of the ?ship's bell strike? ?sonnerie de bord?, of which an example was in the Ilbert collection patent No. 3584 in 1812. A chronometer of his making is in the Guildhall Museum.