John Arnold & Son

4¼-inch silvered dial signed John Arnold & Son, London, No.50, with seconds dial, the fusee and chain movement with turned pillars, the backplate signed Arnold & Son, London, No.50/140, Invt et Fect, Arnold's spring detent escapement with free sprung three-arm non-ferrous compensation balance of 'YZ' form and gold helical spring, the plain octagonal case with hinged lid and glazed brass bezel

Dial would beneit from re-silvering, minor traces of rust to blued steel hands. Movement is complete and appears to be original throughout, would run at cataloguing but would benefit from a clean. Case has glass losse in bezel, damage around lock, other old scuffs and marks throughout. No winder.
"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."

John Roger Arnold was apprenticed to his father at the age of fourteen and was subsequently made his partner in 1787. In 1792, John Roger was sent to Paris to work with Abraham Louis Breguet. He remained there until just before Breguet fled Paris from the French Revolution to Switzerland in July 1793. John Roger received his freedom from the clockmaker's company in 1796. In 1799, John Arnold Senior died and John Roger succeeded him.
John Arnold was the first to use gold balance springs in marine chronometers which, combined with his non-ferrous balance was a great advantage in the salt-laden marine atmosphere as his boxes were of mahogany rather than brass and his movements were therefore more susceptible to rust. Shortly after this chronometer was made, the Arnolds began using brass bowls for their chronometers.