Urban Jürgensen & Sønner Copenhagen/Derek Pratt

• highly jewelled silver finished côte de Genève decorated lever movement with visible split seconds mechanism (ebauche by Louis Elysee Piguet), repeating with two hammers on two gongs, large bi-metallic balance, steel spiral spring with overcoil and swan neck precision regulation, •silver engine-turned dial, with frosted and circular satin finished chapter ring, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, four subsidiary dials for day, months calibrated for four year leap cycle, date and subsidiary seconds combined with moon-phases• heavy 18k gold plain hunting case with “à goutte” and knuckle hinge, glazed cuvette, two push buttons for split second chronograph mechanism, repeat slide to the band • case, dial and movement signed

 

The movement is running at time of cataloguing. The dial and hands are in excellent condition. The case has very minor surface scratches as it appears that the watch was rarely/never used. Overall, the watch is in excellent condition. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Accompanied by a copy of John M. R. Knudsen, The Jürgensen Dynasty and a copy of the catalogue of Urban Jürgensen & Sønner from c. 1992.

According to unofficial documents from the company, no. 3014 belongs to a very small series of approximately 18 pocket watch movements that have different complications – the present watch is similar to one other watch, no. 3015, however, this watch is unique since no. 3015 has a different calendar mechanism with apertures for day and date rather than the subsidiary dial layout found on the present watch. These movements (and others) were included when Peter Baumberger acquired Urban Jürgensen. The movements were then finished and regulated by the famous Urban Jürgensen & Sønner master watchmaker Derek Pratt between 1980 and 1990.

Derek Pratt is regarded as one of the most important watchmakers of the second half of the 20th century. He was a close friend of George Daniels. They were cooperating in several projects. It was Derek who arranged the sale of Daniel’s co-axial escapement to Omega.

For similar complicated pocket watches by Derek Pratt for Urban Jürgensen & Sønner see Derek Pratt, Watchmaker, British Horological Institute Ltd 2012 p.102 and John M. R. Knudsen, 2013 The Jürgensen Dynasty, 2013 pp. 322 and 323