WALTER PARTRIGE, LONDON

• two train gilt verge movement with chain and fusee, the balance bridge finely pierced and engraved with scrolls and grotesque mask, diamond endstone, the top plate elaborately engraved with scrolls, faceted pillars, signed gilt-metal dust cover, quarter repeating through the pendant on two large hammers on a bell, alarm striking on two large hammers, switch for alarm on and off at 5 o'clock • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic track calibrated for 60 minutes, blued steel beetle and poker hands, arch-form aperture for alarm indication, set by arbor at 6 o'clock • the inner case finely pierced and engraved with foliage and scrolls inhabited by a grotesque mask, stamped with case marker mark of script D.A, second case with fine chased repoussé work signed A. Romer F. centered by scene depicting the Adoration of the Magi with Mary and the baby Jesus as well as Joseph, other figures and animals in the background, surrounded by finely chased and engraved scrolls and foliage with pierced floral decorations to outermost edge, outer case covered in shagreen now lacking, with pierced holes for sound • signed on movement and dust cover Walter Partrige, London, with chased second case signed A. Romer F. and stamped D.A, both the inner and second cases hallmarked London 1756

Highly recommended and is of an extraordinary size as noted in the description, it is the largest known by us. The going train is running. The movement appears to be complete. The alarm train does not function. The repeat work is unusual and is activated by the pendant as opposed to the traditional pull repeat. The dust cover has scuffs and one gong inhibits an easy release. There are hairlines to the alarm sector, but it is otherwise in good condition. The inner case is in good condition. The chasing on the second case is in excellent condition and seems to be well-protected. The chasing, signature and details on the clothes and faces are crisp. The outer case was formerly with shagreen covering which is now almost entirely lacking with only fragments left to the bezel and back surround. The dial is possibly a replacement for an earlier enamel dial
"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 approximately 9cm. larger than the average size found in coach watches, placing this example among the largest known. For another known massive coach watch with a diameter of 18cm., see Masterpieces from the Time Museum, Sotheby's New York, December 2nd, 1999, lot 16, and for a third with a diameter of 16.6cm., see Sammlung Carl und Lini Nathan-Rupp, Die Kutschenuhren, cat. no.13, pp.74-83, Historische Museum Basel.

The chaser of this case remains rather mysterious as there is no mention in literature of an A. Romer working in London in this time period.

It is possible that this craftsman was a relation of Emick Romer who was a silversmith working in London around 1760-1770. He also could be a relation of John Romer, who is described in Edgcumbe, R., The Art of the Gold Chaser in Eighteenth Century London, as a silver chaser in 1753 and 1757 and later a silversmith in 1765.

The silversmith who made the inner and second cases, D.A, is also not found in literature.