John Ellicott, London

• gilt full plate cylinder movement, pierced and engraved balance cock, diamond endstone, pillars with fancy scroll sides • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute track, gold beetle and poker hands • plain inner case with maker’s mark JB for John Bayley or John Beesley, fine outer repoussé case depicting Atalanta and Meleager setting out on the Calydonian Boar hunt, framed within cartouches containing shell, scrollwork and flowers, the bezel similarly decorated, inner case hallmarked London 1748, repoussé case signed Manly fec • movement signed Jno. Elliott, 2835, London

Sotheby's London, The Chester Beatty Collection, December 1962

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 202, pl. 113

Richard Edgecumbe, Art of the Gold Chaser, p. 73, pl. 7, fig. 57a

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. Dial in good condition. The inner case with indentation to the band. The repoussé case with some scuffs but overall in excellent condition, retaining beautiful detail.
"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 repoussé scene of this watch is in exceptional condition with a wonderful lustre and depicts the Calydonian boar hunt. In Greek mythology, the King of Calydon offended the goddess Diana who took revenge by sending a giant wild boar to ravage the countryside. Calydon’s son, Meleager, formed a party to kill the boar which included Atalanta, the virgin huntress. Atalanta was the first to strike the boar and when it was finally dead, Meleager (who was in love with Atalanta) presented her with the head and pelt. See, James Hall, Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art, 1984 pp. 206-207.

Richard Edgcumbe illustrates and describes this watch in the Art of the Gold Chaser, and notes that the scene derives from a work by French engraver Bernard Picart, after François Chauveau.  Manly’s version is indebted to a design seen in the collection of 152 drawings by  Augustin Heckel held in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.  Picart's engraving is itself a direct reproduction of Nicholas Poussin's 1639 work titled 'The Hunt of Meleager and Atalanta'.  

For a note on Henry Manly see lot 47