Vulliamy, London

• Movement: gilded full plate, duplex escapement, screw-set balance, bi-metallic spiral compensation mounted to revolving plate with mircometer screw towards edge of backplate, decoratively pierced and engraved balance bridge, diamond endstone, maintaining power, original repeating spring signed and dated ‘Bell...July 1799’, fusee and chain, unsigned dust cap, movement signed and coded Vulliamy, London nsu
• Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, gold beetle and poker hands, steel centre seconds
• Case: gold, engine-turned case back centred with the armorials of Edward Lascelles, both bezels decorated with engraved stylised leaf-form decoration, the band with
concealed catch above 2 o’clock for opening case front and above 10 o’clock for opening the case back which is hinged to reveal a plain gilded dust cap with winding square, start/stop slide beneath bezel between 2 and 3 o’clock, case hallmarked 1799 and with maker’s mark GR for Gaspard Richard, with a mahogany fitted box with sliding cover and a key

Edward Lascelles, Earl of Harwood, London
Christie’s South Kensington, Property of a Nobleman, 23rd June 2004 lot 155

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, pp. 320-321, pl. 201

Movement running at time of cataloguing, winding and hand-setting operational. Repeating is striking. Dial with small hairline at the very edge of the dial between 3 and 4 o'clock but this is not visible when the bezel is closed. otherwise dial appears to be in good condition. Case in attractive condition, the engraved decoration retaining good clear definition with minor rubbing. Catches working well and covers close securely. Glass is loose. Wooden box with handsome patina and old marks and scratches.
"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."

The Arms to the case back are those of Edward Lascelles M.P.(1740-1820), who was created 1st Earl of Harewood in 1812. Edward was the cousin and heir of Edwin Lascelles (1713- 1795), 1st Baron Harewood, who died childless in 1790. Edward
inherited the family seat of Harewood House, an important estate designed by architects Robert Adam and John Carr with landscaping by Capability Brown. Harewood house was built by Edwin Lascelles between 1759 and 1771.

From around 1792, Justin Vulliamy began signing his watches simply ‘Vulliamy’, his son Benjamin having been in the business for some years. Justin Vulliamy died in 1797. The Vulliamy's used a bridge cock when they fitted bi-metallic spiral compensation. This is mounted on a revolving plate, the position of which can be altered with a micrometer screw fixed near the edge of the top-plate; regulation is by means of an arm and scale opposite. Interestingly, the tool for making the compensation – sometimes called the ‘Chelsea Bun’ – is thought to be the one which Benjamin Vulliamy purchased in the sale of Larcum Kendall’s workshop at Christie’s in December 1790. For a very similar watch having the Arms of the Dashwood family, see The Atwood Collection, Sotheby’s
New York, 11 December 1986 lot 105.

Justin Vulliamy was the founder of three generations of watch and clockmakers who were active between 1730 and 1854. He was the partner of Benjamin Gray between 1730-1775. Justin’s son Benjamin was active from 1775-1820 and Benjamin’s son,
Benjamin Lewis continued the business until his death in 1854. The Vulliamys are especially well known for their use of the duplex escapement.