Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

New York, Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, Jun 20, 1998

LOT 117

J. W. Benson, London, Watch & Clock Maker to H. R. H. The Prince of Wales, 25 Old Bond Street, No. 30515, made for the Indian Market, with London hallmarks for 1869. Fine and rare 18K gold and enamel hunting cased, early five time zone watch.

C. Four body, massive, "bassine et filets", by Alfred Stram (Master mark), the band, bezel, pendant and bow with chased decoration. The back of red translucent enamel over engine-turning, centred with a champleve enamel monogram and further decoration. The cover with a fine painted enamel bouquet of flowers against a powder blue ground with outer champleve enamelled stylised floral decoration. Hinged gold cuvette. D. Silver engine-turned with Roman numerals, centred with four subsidiary dials for the times of London, New York, Mexico and Constantinople. Blued steel "pear " hands. M. 18"' , frosted and gilt three-quarter plate, with 15 jewels in screwed setting, fusee with chain and maintaining power, pointed tooth lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, balance spring with terminal curve. Signed on the dial and the back plate. Diam. 50 mm.