- 76
Charles Frodsham, London
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Charles Frodsham, London
- A SUPERB GOLD OPEN-FACED SPLIT SECONDS MINUTE REPEATING KEYLESS LEVER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH1899, NO. 08759 AD FMSZ
- Gold
- diameter 53mm
• Movement: gilded frosted three-quarter plate movement, double-roller ratchet tooth lever escapement, bi-metallic compensation balance, diamond endstone, steel chronograph work visible to the backplate, signed and numbered Chas. Frodsham by appointment to the Queen, late of 84 Strand, 115 New Bond St., London, no. 08759 AD FMSZ
• Dial: off-white Willis enamel dial, Roman numerals, two sunken subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 60-minute register, outer ring for minutes/chronograph seconds, all hands blued steel except contrasting gold and blued steel split seconds, signed Chas. Frodsham, 08759 AD FMSZ
• Case: gold, the front with triple stepped bezel, back with polychrome enamel painted armorials of the Sandford family, gold split chronograph pusher and hand-set button with olivette to the band, recessed repeating slide, winding crown depressing for chronograph activation, thief-proof swivelling bow, case, cuvette, pendant and bow hallmarked for 18ct gold, date letter for London 1899, back and cuvette with maker's mark HMF in cameo for Harrison Mill Frodsham, case back numbered 08759, cuvette numbered 59
• Dial: off-white Willis enamel dial, Roman numerals, two sunken subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 60-minute register, outer ring for minutes/chronograph seconds, all hands blued steel except contrasting gold and blued steel split seconds, signed Chas. Frodsham, 08759 AD FMSZ
• Case: gold, the front with triple stepped bezel, back with polychrome enamel painted armorials of the Sandford family, gold split chronograph pusher and hand-set button with olivette to the band, recessed repeating slide, winding crown depressing for chronograph activation, thief-proof swivelling bow, case, cuvette, pendant and bow hallmarked for 18ct gold, date letter for London 1899, back and cuvette with maker's mark HMF in cameo for Harrison Mill Frodsham, case back numbered 08759, cuvette numbered 59
Literature
Terence Camerer Cuss, The English Watch 1585-1970, 2009, pp. 428-429, pl. 277
Vaudrey Mercer, The Frodshams - The Story of a Family of Chronometer Makers, 1981, p. 261
Vaudrey Mercer, The Frodshams - The Story of a Family of Chronometer Makers, 1981, p. 261
Condition
Movement running and repeating at time of cataloguing, minute counter is advancing. Dial with hairline crack to minute register dial. Case in good overall condition with light scratches to case and enamel armorials.
"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
This watch is accompanied by a Charles Frodsham Certificate of Origin which confirms that the watch was completed in 1899 with a total manufacturing cost of £86.
The very fine quality movement of this watch was supplied to Charles Frodsham by Nicole, Nielsen & Co. who have used a Swiss ebauche, fitted the ratchet-tooth lever escapement, balance and cock, and carried out some of the finishing. Much of the chronograph mechanism is visible to the backplate, whilst the minute repeating work is concealed beneath the dial and between the plates, with one hammer visible next to the balance cock. The substantial 18ct gold case is of wonderful quality and the armorials of the Sandford family are beautifully painted in polychrome enamel to the back.
For a note on Charles Frodsham, see lot 74 and for Nicole Nielsen, see lot 75.