Justin Vulliamy, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, decoratively pierced balance cock engraved with scrolling foliage, the figure plate with engraved serpent whose tongue indicates to regulation plate, diamond endstone, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, plain gilt-metal dust cover, the movement with single hammer for striking and two for repetition, all to a bell to the inside case back, movement signed and number coded Justin Vuillamy, London, cmn
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring with double dots at the quarters and single dot indicating half-quarters, blued steel beetle and poker hands
• Cases: silver inner, the band pierced and engraved with scrolling foliage and dolphins' heads, a grotesque mask to the base, apertures to case back for going and striking trains and centred with a rosette, strike/silent lever to bezel at 2 o'clock, pulse piece between 4 and 5 o'clock • silver outer, both bezels pierced for sound emission and engraved with scrolling foliage, pulse piece lacking, plain back, outer with case maker's mark PM incuse for Peter Mounier
• Mahogany box: with brass strut stand, gilt metal aperture to reveal the dial

Sotheby's London, 4th June 1992, lot 204

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 246, pl. 152

Movement running, repeating and striking at time of cataloguing. Dial appears to be in good condition. Inner case with some rubbing to central rosette, outer case with light scuffs, there appears to be accommodation for a pulse piece to the bezel matching up to the pulse piece on the inner case but the pulse piece itself is lacking to the outer case.
"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."

This large striking and repeating watch would have been a superior travelling accessory for the 18th century gentleman, a convenient timekeeper both within one's coach and for display in one's accommodation whilst away from home. Typifying Vulliamy's distinctive style, this is an extremely fine quality coach watch with richly engraved silver cases.  

Justin Vulliamy was the patriarch of three generations of watch and clockmakers. He left Switzerland and moved to England becoming the partner of Benjamin Gray, whose daughter he married. Following his father-in-law's death, Vulliamy continued to employ Gray's coded numbering system. Vulliamy's son Benjamin was active from 1775-1820 and in turn his son, Benjamin Lewis, continued the business until his death in 1854.