- 16
Richard Williamson, London
Estimate
6,500 - 9,500 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- A RARE SILVER PAIR CASED SUN AND MOON VERGE WATCHCIRCA 1710
- Silver
- width 61 mm
• Movement: gilded full plate, verge escapement, decoratively pierced and engraved balance cock with engraved head at the neck, cylindrical pillars with ribbed capitals, fusee and chain, signed Ricd Williamson
• Dial: silver champlevé, large aperture with rotating disc divided into day and night, the hours indicated on an outer semi-circular chapter ring with Roman numerals heightened
with black wax, the daytime hours indicated by a golden sun with pointer, the night hours indicated by a silver moon with pointer against a night sky of black pitch and silver stars, outer Arabic minute ring, single blued steel hand, the lower half of the dial with scrolling foliage inhabited by birds and centred by a catouche signed Williamson Fecit
• Case: plain inner and outer, stirrup pendant and bow, outer hinge with strong chamfers, both cases with maker’s mark a coronet above WI for John Wightman
• Dial: silver champlevé, large aperture with rotating disc divided into day and night, the hours indicated on an outer semi-circular chapter ring with Roman numerals heightened
with black wax, the daytime hours indicated by a golden sun with pointer, the night hours indicated by a silver moon with pointer against a night sky of black pitch and silver stars, outer Arabic minute ring, single blued steel hand, the lower half of the dial with scrolling foliage inhabited by birds and centred by a catouche signed Williamson Fecit
• Case: plain inner and outer, stirrup pendant and bow, outer hinge with strong chamfers, both cases with maker’s mark a coronet above WI for John Wightman
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p.152, pl. 79
Condition
Movement will run for short periods at time of cataloguing, winds well and the hand and sun/moon disc revolve for setting. Dial in good refreshed condition. Inner case with some light indentations and depression to the band where it fits into the outer case. Outer case with some minor light indentations. Covers close securely and hinges appear to be in good condition. A couple of very small cracks close to the pendant and some signs of repair to the pendant's stem to the inside of the inner case.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Makers at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century were by no means wedded to the standard dial configuration of concentric hour and minute hands, which had become more universal. As a result, some unusual dial designs were devised, particularly by English watchmakers. During this period there were four principal variations of dial design: the six-hour dial, the wandering hour dial, the differential dial and, as in this
instance, the sun-and-moon dial. On the present watch, the sun and moon point to the hours as they move across the large semi-circular aperture whilst minutes are indicated by the single hand on the outer ring.
The case, with its prominent hinge, has the mark of the London maker John Wightman, who served his apprenticeship with Jonathan Jones. Wightman registered his mark in 1697.
instance, the sun-and-moon dial. On the present watch, the sun and moon point to the hours as they move across the large semi-circular aperture whilst minutes are indicated by the single hand on the outer ring.
The case, with its prominent hinge, has the mark of the London maker John Wightman, who served his apprenticeship with Jonathan Jones. Wightman registered his mark in 1697.