George Graham

gilt full plate cylinder movement signed Geo.Graham, London, no. 5838, plain three arm balance, pierced and engraved balance cock with diamond end-stone, fusée for the going train, silvered regulation dial, baluster pillars, signed dust cover Geo.Graham, London • white enamel dial, gold spade hands, Roman numerals, Arabic outer • fine repoussé outer case, depicting Diana seated on a rock, symmetrical scrollwork on the outside, the bezel also with scrollwork, inner case with maker's mark IW (John Ward?), stamped 5838, hallmarked for London 1738 • suspended from a gold chatelaine comprising plaques with en suite decoration, the chains with alternating links of shells and crowns, the front part of the hook depicting the figure of Neptune, the reverse of the hook hallmarked for London 1739 and maker's initials EB.

Sotheby's, Geneva, Thursday 14th May, 1991, lot 249.

Movement complete and will most probably run. Probably later dial and hands. Inner case in good condition. Outer case in very good condition. Overall very good aged condition. Very rare example of a well preserved watch from this period.
"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."

The present watch is illustrated and described in T.P. Camerer Cuss, Camerer Cuss Book of Antique Watches, Antique Collector's Club Ltd., 1999, pp. 116-117& pl. 57.

George Graham
George Graham (1673-1751) was Free of the Clockmakers' Company from 1695 and started work with Thomas Tompion at about the same time, becoming his partner in 1711. After Tompion's death in 1713, Graham took over the business and continued the numbering sequences for all the clocks and watches. The timepiece watches made by Graham number from approximately 4400 to 6600. The outer case of this watch is scratch numbered 5708 under the bezel, an earlier number than that of the movement and inner case. It is interesting to note that there appears to be no record of a watch with the number 5708.

The seals with the chatelaine are probably those of Edward Brooke J.P. D.L. of Caenwood Towers, Highgate, London and the Langeford family of London and Middlesex.