A gold pair cased quarter repeating cylinder watch no. 1191, Alexander Cumming, London, 1783

gilt full plate movement, cylinder escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, chain and fusee, round baluster pillars, polished steel hammers dumb repeating to the case, gilt metal cap, movement and cap signed and numbered Alex Cumming, London No.1191; white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, gilt beetle and poker hands, signed Alexander Cumming, London; plain 18k gold inner case, winding square to back, plain 18k outer case, inner marked MR for Mary Reasy and IL for John Laithwaite, outer marked IL for John Laithwaite, both hallmarked for London 1783  

Sir William Forbes, 6th Bt. (1739-1806)

Acquired directly from Alexander Cumming on the 11th of January 1785; 'Bought of Alex Cumming / /one Gold horizontal repeating watch Cap^d & Jewell, named Alex Cumming London N.1191'

William Forbes and Alexander Cumming (1733-1814) must have known each other, in 1783 both were founding members of The Royal Society of Edinburgh of which Cumming was made a fellow. Cumming became a magistrate in 1779 and in 1781 he was made an honorary freeman of the Clockmakers' Company. Interestingly as a result of his making instruments for Capt. Phipps's voyage to the polar regions, the island of Cummingøya in Svalbard was named after him.

Movement not running at the time of cataloging and dumb repeater not functioning. Dial in very good condition, hands not moving and arbor is rusted. Inner case with scuffs and scratches throughout, denting to the band. Dial and lid closing securely. Outer case with scuffs and scratches throughout consistent with wear, thumb piece worn, hinge in good condition.
"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."