Rundell and Bridge, London

• gilt full plate movement, duplex escapement balance cock and plate engraved with foliate designs, grotesque mask on cock table, diamond endstone, round baluster pillars, gilt metal dust cap • white enamel dial with Roman numerals, Arabic numerals mark the quarter hours, subsidiary seconds with Arabic numerals, gold spade hands • front of case engraved with coat of arms belonging to the Duc de Chartres (1773-1850), case back plain and hinged revealing winding square, bow marked with French owl numbered 75 for Paris, front and rear of case marked IM for either James Marson or James Macklin, hallmarked 1802-3 • dust cap and movement signed Rundell and Bridge, London, 3454

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, p. 334 pl. 210.

Movement not working at time of cataloguing. Watch in overall very good condition with only minor scuffs and scratches. Engraving crisp and defined.
"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 arms on the case are those of the Duc de Chartres (1773-1850), who eventually became King Louis Philippe III of France in 1830.

He supported the French Revolution during his youth, and called himself 'Citroyen Chartres'. Although he sympathized with the Jacobins, he was in exile in England between 1801 and 1807.  He became Duc d'Orleans following the death of his father, who was guillotined during the Reign of Terror.  He returned to France after the Bourbon Restoration in 1815, and was proclaimed King following the abdication of Charles X.  He reigned from 1830- 1848, after which he was forced to abdicate.

Rundell and Bridge were were appointed principal royal goldsmith and jeweller in 1804. They are recorded in G. H. Baillie Watchmakers and  Clockmaker's of the World, Third edition 1947 as active during 1772-1825. 

 The present watch is hallmarked as 1802, and therefore was likely acquired by the Duc de Chartres when he was in exile in England between 1801-1807.  The movement of the present lot although simple is very similar to those produced by Vulliamy at this time.