Charles Fasoldt, Albany N.Y

• Fasoldt patented double wheel chronometer escapement, gilt movement with standing bridges, the bridges engraved with the patent dates Feb.1 1859, April 5. 1864 and 1865, bi-metallic compensation balance • silver cuvette • white enamel dial, roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, blued steel moon style hands, in an associated silver engine-turned hunting case • movement and dial signed

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing however it would benefit from a service. Dial with some very fine hairline cracks. The engine-turning to the case is worn and there is tarnishing throughout.
"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."

Fasoldt called his escapement a chronometer, but in fact it was a lever escapement with two escape wheels, the smaller one giving impulse in one direction and the larger one in the other direction.
Charles Fasoldt, a brilliant horologist, was granted several patents during his career and the precision engineering and features seen on many of his clocks have not been surpassed in America. Born in Dresden, Germany in 1818, he fled to America in 1848, following civil strife in his native country. 
He settled in Rome, New York, where he is known to have made approximately 50 watches.  In 1861, he relocated to Albany, New York and founded a watchmaking factory where he employed 50 men.  He also utilized the help of family members.  His daughter made jewels, patent regulators and patent hairsprings, while he made the wheels and arbor plates.  The majority of his watches were key wound until the end of his career when he made 150 stem-wind watches, as with the present lot.  However, the new stem-wind watches were still key-set.
In all, it is thought that he made 600 watches.

For an illustration of the Fasoldt double wheel chronometer escapement see Clutton & Daniels, Watches, fig. 46.