William Harrison

• gilt full plate verge movement signed Willm Harrison, London, pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, standard verge, jewelled to lower balance pivot, unusual escape wheel front pivot slide mounted in the potance, square balance spring pin in square hole, baluster pillars, signed and numbered cap • white enamel dial • later gilt metal inner and outer case

The movement is running well at the time of cataloguing. Dial is in good condition, later hands. Later gilt metal inner and outer cases dented and very worn. This is a very rare opportunity to obtain such a historical piece.
"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 watch represents one of only six known timekeepers to posses the components invented by John Harrison and used on H4.
John Harrison's quest to solve the longitude problem is well known and his son William assisted him with this task, H5 being signed John Harrison and Son. It is possible that William had special requests to make pieces that featured his father's escapement.

A similar watch was sold in Sotheby's New York, Masterpieces From the Time Museum, Part Four, Volume II, October 13 & 14, 2004, lot 633.