Charles Frodsham

* 6" silvered and engraved dial signed Charles Frodsham, 84 Strand, London, the main dial calibrated with seconds and up/down indicator for 37 days, engraved 'wind 1st of the month' the substantial movement with ring-turned pillars secured with steel screws, spotted plates, fusee and chain with Harrison's maintaining power, jeweled pivot holes from the fourth wheel, the detent escapement with Frodsham's special compensation balance developed from his 'double compound micrometric equation balance', gilt-brass drum case with carrying handle, the rear with shuttered apertures, fitted with the original ebonized stand, containing a hidden key drawer, with original key

Capt. H.E. Rimington-Wilson, sold Christie's, London 26 October 1971, lot 33
The estate of the former owner

A handsome and rare piece. In running order however, could use a service. Dial good with very minor discoloration. The case gilding is original however rubbed primarily at the top and on the handle. Foliding feet at the base of the case have been removed, there are two plugged holes where the feet would have been attached.
"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."

This chronometer is described as a Campaign Chronometer and is exceedingly rare with only a eight known. Of the eight, only three have spring detent escapement and are month going, one of those being the present lot. The remaining examples are eight-day with lever escapements. All of the pieces have identical gilt brass cases, some have ebonized stands.
    
Examples of Campaign Chronometers with Detent Escapements:
* No. 1706: Month going, subsidiary seconds, up-and-down indicator, ebonized stand (present lot)
* No. 1845: Month-going, subsidiary seconds, up-and-down indicator, marble and bronze stand, with leather travelling case, sold Sotheby's NY, Masterpieces from the Time Museum, Part Four, 13 & 14 October 2004, lot 654, now in the Charles Frodsham Museum, London
* No. 3596: Eight-day, subsidiary seconds, up-and-down indicator, with leather travelling case, formerly Prestige Collection

We are grateful to Charles Frodsham & Co., Ltd. for their assistance