- 100
John Arnold
Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
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Description
- A LARGE SILVER POCKET CHRONOMETER MOVEMENT IN LATER CUSTOM MADE SILVER CASECIRCA 1780 CASE NO 16-64
- silver
- movement diameter 57 mm
• full plate gilt movement, pivoted detent escapement, double S-balance, helical spring, free sprung, pierced and engraved balance cock with engraved foot, signed John Arnold London, Inv.t et Fecit, no 16-64 • white enamel dial, roman numerals, outer arabic minute track, subsidiary seconds, blued steel hands • later contemporary style custom made silver case made by Richard James Oliver
Exhibited
Exhibited 'English Pocket Chronometers' Bobinet, December 1976.
Literature
Clutton & Daniels, Watch, fig. 172a-b.
Vaudrey Mercer, Arnold & Son, p.210
Hans Staeger, 100 Years of Precision Timekeepers from John Arnold to Arnold & Frodsham 1763 - 1862, 1997, p.68.
Vaudrey Mercer, Arnold & Son, p.210
Hans Staeger, 100 Years of Precision Timekeepers from John Arnold to Arnold & Frodsham 1763 - 1862, 1997, p.68.
Condition
The movement is running however it would benefit from a clean. Dial in good condition. Slight scuffs to the later well made 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.
Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."
"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.
Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."
Catalogue Note
In 1786 Lieutenant John McCluer was sent to survey Diego Garcia by The East India Company. He was supplied with a box chronometer and two pocket chronometers, all by Arnold. McCluer also had his own Arnold pocket chronometer, No.64 (the present lot), which Alexander Dalrymple had sent him. Alexander Dalrymple was a very influencial figure in British Maritime history. In 1795 Dalrymple became the first Hydrographer of the Admiralty. Dalrymple was also a great admirer and champion of Arnold.
See W. E. May, How the Chronometer went to Sea, 1976, p.643.
T. Fry, Alexander Dalrymple and the expansion of British Trade, 1970, p.238.
Richard (Dick) Oliver (1904-1989) was the last of the older generation of Clerkenwell watchcase makers. He made hand-made cases to the same standard that they were made in the golden years at the end of the last century. Apart from certain specialities like engine-turning, all the many skills required for making or repairing cases were practised by Dick himself.
Antiquarian Horology Vol.XVIII no.3 (Autumn 1989), p.259-260.
For an illustration of the present lot’s escapement - see Clutton and Daniels, Watches, fig. 11
See W. E. May, How the Chronometer went to Sea, 1976, p.643.
T. Fry, Alexander Dalrymple and the expansion of British Trade, 1970, p.238.
Richard (Dick) Oliver (1904-1989) was the last of the older generation of Clerkenwell watchcase makers. He made hand-made cases to the same standard that they were made in the golden years at the end of the last century. Apart from certain specialities like engine-turning, all the many skills required for making or repairing cases were practised by Dick himself.
Antiquarian Horology Vol.XVIII no.3 (Autumn 1989), p.259-260.
For an illustration of the present lot’s escapement - see Clutton and Daniels, Watches, fig. 11