Charles Frodsham, London

• Movement: gilded frosted three-quarter plate movement, ratchet tooth lever escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance, diamond endstone, micrometer regulation, steel chronograph work visible to the backplate, signed Chas. Frodsham, by Appointment to the Queen, 84 Strand, London, no. 07468, AD FMSZ
• Dial: off-white Willis dial, Roman numerals, two sunken subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 60-minute register, all hands blued steel except contrasting gold and blued steel split seconds hands, outer ring for minutes/chronograph seconds, signed and numbered Chas. Frodsham, 07468 
• Case: gold, back with engraved armorials and crest of Sir Andrew Noble, gold split chronograph pusher and hand-set button with olivette to the band, winding crown depressing for chronograph activation, thief-proof swivelling bow, plain polished gold cuvette, case, cuvette, pendant and bow hallmarked for 18ct gold, date letter for London 1886, back and cuvette with maker's mark HMF in cameo for Harrison Mill Frodsham, case back numbered 07468, cuvette numbered 68

With an associated retailer's presentation case.

Sir Andrew Noble FRS

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 421, pl. 271
Vaudrey Mercer, The Frodshams - The Story of a Family of Chronometer Makers, 1981, p. 258

Movement will run for short periods at time of cataloguing, the chronograph is operational and the minute counter working. Dial with very feint star crack between 2 and 3 o'clock. Case lightly polished with some loss of definition to the armorials.
"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."

Accompanied by a Charles Frodsham Certificate of Origin.

The movement of this watch was supplied to Charles Frodsham by Nicole Nielsen. During the second half of the 19th century, Nicole Nielsen quickly gained recognition for the exceptional quality of their movements; the keyless and chronograph mechanisms in the present watch are typical of their work and it was their mastery of these elements that helped to secure their reputation. In later years, the firm became renowned for their exceptional pocket chronometers, karrusels and tourbillons. For a history of Nicole Nielsen & Co. see: Vaudrey Mercer, The Frodshams, Chapter XI.  

The present watch, no. 07468, is listed together with no. 07469 by Vaudrey Mercer in The Frodshams - the latter watch was sold at Christie's Geneva, 14th November 2011, lot 166. Also a split seconds chronograph watch with movement supplied by Nicole Nielsen, no. 07469 is similarly styled to the present watch.

Sir Andrew Noble (1831-1915), whose crest and motto appear to the case back of this watch, was chairman of Armstrong Whitworth & Company from 1900-1915. He joined this famous engineering, bridge and shipbuilding company in 1860 and ten years later was made a Fellow of the Royal Society for his scientific work, at the comparatively young age of 38.