James Tregent, London

• Movement: gilded full plate movement, verge escapement, flat three-arm balance, decoratively pierced balance cock engraved with foliage, fusee and chain, cylindrical pillars, signed Jas. Tregent, 3137
• Dial: white enamel, radial Arabic numerals, outer Arabic minute ring, winding aperture at 4 o'clock, gold beetle and poker hands
• Case: gold, the back with blue enamel over engine-turned decoration and with applied diamond-set Royal Coronet and cipher: 'GR', both bezels set with split pearls, pusher in pendant to release the front bezel for winding and setting
• Chatelaine: the matching gilt-metal and gold chatelaine decorated en-suite with the case, the pendant chains terminating in pearl fronds, a key and a seal set with chalcedony engraved with a forget-me-not and the legend 'a vous', the chains suspended from a rectangular locket containing plaited hair

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 306, pl. 191

Movement running at time of cataloguing. Dial with hairlines and some cracks around the 12 o'clock, otherwise in good condition. The case appears to be in good overall condition. The pendant chains with a few very minor chips, the smallest panel under the hook with small repair to white enamel border.
"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."

With a sumptuously decorated case and chatelaine, the back of the watch is heightened with the diamond-set royal coronet and cipher of King George III (1738-1820). George III was a great patron of horology and amassed a remarkable collection of clocks, watches and scientific instruments. Famously, in 1770, George III acquired Thomas Mudge’s first pocket watch with lever escapement and soon after became involved in the long running dispute between John Harrison and the Board of Longitude over the tests for Harrison’s chronometer.  Although Tregent frequently signed himself ‘Maker to the Prince of Wales’, he did not in fact hold a Royal Warrant. A similar watch to the present piece, also signed by Tregent and of similar date, can be found in the Royal Collection.

F.J. Britten notes in his book, Old Clocks and Watches and their Makers, that James Tregent was recorded at 35 Strand in 1775 and 29 Cranbroune St., Leicester Square in 1780. Britten also provides the following amusing anecdote: “Sheridan, by attributing his proverbial unpunctuality to the lack of a timekeeper, obtained from Harris, proprietor of Covent Garden Theatre, a watch of Tregent’s make” [op. cit. ACC edition, 1977 p. 500]. Tregent was a Freeman of the Clockmakers’ Company from 1781-1808.