- 27
George Graham, London
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A FINE GOLD QUARTER REPEATING WATCH WITH LATER REPOUSSE OUTER CASE1739, NO. 795 REPOUSSE CASE CIRCA 1760
- YES
- diameter of outer case 47 mm, inner 40 mm
• Movement: gilded full plate, cylinder escapement, pierced winged masked balance cock engraved with foliage, flat three-arm balance, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, two polished steel hammers repeating on a bell to the inside case back, signed G. Graham London 795
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Cases: gold inner case the back with winding aperture and centre with an engraved rosette, pierced band for sound emission engraved with scrolling foliage and flowers, a grotesque mask to the base, pulse piece to the bezel between 5 and 6 o'clock, numbered 795 beneath the pendant, hallmarked 1739 with maker's mark JW script with incuse star above for John Ward • later gold outer case with repoussé scene of Aeneas departing from Dido, the bezels pierced and chased with shell and scrollwork between panels of pierced and engraved foliage
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Cases: gold inner case the back with winding aperture and centre with an engraved rosette, pierced band for sound emission engraved with scrolling foliage and flowers, a grotesque mask to the base, pulse piece to the bezel between 5 and 6 o'clock, numbered 795 beneath the pendant, hallmarked 1739 with maker's mark JW script with incuse star above for John Ward • later gold outer case with repoussé scene of Aeneas departing from Dido, the bezels pierced and chased with shell and scrollwork between panels of pierced and engraved foliage
Provenance
The Art of British Horology, Antiquorum Geneva, 21 October 1995, lot 40
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 215, pl. 125
Condition
Movement not running but appears to be complete, the repeating work is operational and sounding loud and clear and pulse piece is also operational. Dial in good condition. Inner case with light scuffs and scratches, decoration retains good definition. The scene to the outer case with some light rubbing to most exposed areas, some cracks and small repairs and one or two tiny losses to the pierced decoration of the bezel.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
Catalogue Note
The outer case is such a perfect fit to the inner that it is more than likely that it was especially made for it. The repoussé scene depicts Aeneas departing from Dido. Cupid is shown above, reading what was fore-ordained by Jupiter, that in her love-torn grief, Dido would kill herself. The repoussé scene on a watch by Isaac Alexander (see: Sotheby’s, Celebration of the English Watch, part II, lot 25) depicts the Death of Dido from an engraving by Michel Dorigny (1617-1655) of 1643, made after a painting of about 1640 by his father-in-law, Simon Vouet (1590-1649), now in the museum of Dole, France. It is possible that the inspiration for the present repoussé case is taken from other work by the same artists.
For a note on George Graham, see lot 26.