- 51
Josiah Emery, London
Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- A VERY RARE SILVER GILT PAIR CASED LEVER WATCH WITH THERMOMETER1792 No. 939
- silver gilt
- diameter 60 mm
• gilt full plate movement with fusee, engraved balance cock with diamond endstone, Emery's lever escapement with steel escape wheel, divided teeth for oil retention, gilt balance, Arnold double S compensation balance with adjustable screws for regulation, blued steel helical spring, lever at the edge for stop and start • signed and numbered dust cap • white enamel dial with hairline cracks, roman numerals, subsidiary seconds dial and thermometer, blued steel spade hands • inner case hallmarked London 1792, case maker's mark VW (Valentine Walker), outer case similarly stamped • dial and movement signed
Literature
Clutton & Daniels, Watches, pp. 120-121 and 273, Colour pl.X, fig. A and fig 158 a-c
Condition
The movement is running at the time of cataloguing but requires cleaning, Dial cracked. Both cases in good condition. Some light scuffs to the movement plate. Later bow
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
As stated in "Watches" by Clutton & Daniels, this particular example 'is the lowest-numbered surviving Emery lever watch and is unique among them in having a thermometer with bi-metallic strip.' The case bears the mark 'VW', Valentine Walker, who was a very skilled watch case maker based in Clerkenwell, London.
In 1781 Emery's excellence was recognized by his peers, who elected him an Honorary Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company. He died in 1797 and was succeeded by Recordon and Dupont.
Josiah Emery was born in Geneva in 1725 and later settled in London at 33 Cockspur Street. He is best known for his pioneering of the lever escapement after Thomas Mudge. Emery commenced production of his lever watches in 1781 and continued working on this until the end of his life. According to research, he made approximately thirty-six lever watches between 1782 and 1795. In 1782 Emery patented his "double S" design to prevent timekeeping errors caused by temperature change; a fact which he advertised widely. Most of Emery's "double S" balances are found in his lever watches, of which fewer than twelve are known to have survived, making the "double S" balance very rare.
In 1781 Emery's excellence was recognized by his peers, who elected him an Honorary Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company. He died in 1797 and was succeeded by Recordon and Dupont.
Josiah Emery was born in Geneva in 1725 and later settled in London at 33 Cockspur Street. He is best known for his pioneering of the lever escapement after Thomas Mudge. Emery commenced production of his lever watches in 1781 and continued working on this until the end of his life. According to research, he made approximately thirty-six lever watches between 1782 and 1795. In 1782 Emery patented his "double S" design to prevent timekeeping errors caused by temperature change; a fact which he advertised widely. Most of Emery's "double S" balances are found in his lever watches, of which fewer than twelve are known to have survived, making the "double S" balance very rare.
Betts, J., Josiah Emery, watchmaker of Charing Cross, Antiquarian Horology-4, XXIII (1996-1997), pp. 26-44, 134-150, 216-230
Clutton & Daniels, Watches, p. 120-121 and 273