Richard Thorneloe, Coventry

• Movement: frosted gilt three-quarter plate, 34-minute karrusel with spring detent escapement, free-sprung bi-metallic compensation balance, plain balance cock with
diamond endstone, signed Richard Thorneloe, 13 Stanton Street, Coventry, No. 57075 and with engraved Admiralty broad arrow
• Dial: white enamel with slightly recessed centre, Roman numerals, outer minute ring calibrated to fifths of a second, blued steel spade hands, centre seconds
• Case: silver, plain polished hinged back, polished hinged silver cuvette, case back and cuvette hallmarked London 1902 and with maker’s mark WB in a cameo for William Bullock, Coventry, wooden deck box containing brass inner case with screw-down bezel to hold watch, hinged wooden lid

Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, p. 433, pl. 280

Movement running at time of cataloguing. Dial with small repaired chip to the very edge of the dial above 2 o'clock, otherwise appears to be in good condition. Case with light scuffs, a small indentation to the band. Wooden deck box in attractive condition and closes well.
"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."

At the Greenwich observatory trial of 18th June 1904 to 7th January 1905, the present watch ‘headed the list’. This was a remarkable achievement and was testament to the watch’s outstanding performance during the rigorous 29 week trials. The tests were undertaken on behalf of the Admiralty who paid considerably more for those watches which were well placed. The Royal Observatory’s Ledger of Receipts and Issues of
Chronometers record that this chronometer, no.57075, was purchased in March 1905.

The movement has a 34 minute karrusel carriage for, most unusually, a spring detent escapement. Bahne Bonniksen, a Dane who spent most of his life in Coventry, took out his karrusel patent (no. 21421) in 1892. Bonniksen modified the original karrusel design, which revolved every 52 ½ minutes, so that it instead revolved every 34 minutes. This modification allowed for a fitted centre second hand. The spring detent
escapement in the present watch had the advantage of showing dead-beat half seconds, with the second hand landing on the main division every other beat.