Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 24, 1999

LOT 82

Spencer and Perkins London, circa 1780. Fine and rare gilt brass sharkskin covered watch form pedometer designed for horse riders.

CHF 1,000 - 1,200

Sold: CHF 1,323

C. Gilt brass covered in green sharkskin with suspension bow. D. White enamel, arabic numerals, main dial for paces, subsidiary dials for 1 and 12 miles, blued steel hands. M. Four wheel, plated, extended arm attached through a chain to a fork meshing with a pinion. At each step the pinion turns by an amount limited by the fork, which movement is transmitted to the train which serves simply to count the wearer's steps and convert them into paces and miles. Signed on the dial. Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4-18

Fair

Spotted
Movement: *4

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 4-6-01

Fair

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

As opposed to Spencer & Perkins' standard model, it is mounted in a watch case with its suspension bow at what would be the 6 o'clock position and with the chain arm turned through 90°, presumably so that the instrument can be attached to a saddle, the chain arm being linked to the horse's leg. Spencer & Perkins, who seem to have made a speciality of pedometer production, are known working on Snow Hill, London, from 1765-1806. Literature Alfred Chapuis & Eugene Jacquet, La montre automatique ancienne, un siecle et demie d 'histaire, Neuchatel 1952, pp. 190-93.