URBAN JÜRGENSEN | A RARE AND FINE SILVER CONSULAR CASED POCKET CHRONOMETER WITH SPRING DETENT ESCAPEMENT, GOLD HELICAL SPRING, REGULATOR DIAL AND FITTED WOODEN DECK BOX, SOLD TO COUNT ADAM WILHELM MOLTKE1818, 353/8

• Movement: gilt-brass ½ plate using a Houriet garde-temps series ébauche, Arnold-type spring detent escapement, the gold passing spring riveted to the detent, micrometer adjusting screw on separate cock to allow fine adjustment of locking, large three-arm bi-metallic compensation balance with 3 moveable wedge-shaped weights with locking screws to their undersides, the end of each arm of the balance mounted with a timing screw, gold helical spring, diamond endstone, fusee and chain with Harrison's maintaining power, winding square with fusee pipe, signed Urban Jürgensen, CCCLIII, no.VIII • Dial: white enamel, three subsidiary dials for hours with Roman numerals, minutes with Arabic numeral 15-minute markers, subsidiary seconds with Arabic 15-second markers, blued steel hands, signed Ubran Jürgensen• Case: silver consular, the back with shuttered winding aperture, plain silver inner hinged cuvette, inside back numbered 452 56 and with maker's mark IFH within heart-shaped cameo for Johan Friedrich Hansemann• Deck box: two-tier mahogany deck box with fitted holder containing green baize support, the back with sliding panel to access the case back for winding whilst the box is locked and with rectangular compartment for a winding key

Count A. W. Moltke
Theodor Beyer
Antiquorum Zurich, The Private Collection of Theodor Beyer, 16 November 2003, lot 39

John M. R. Knuden, The Jürgensen Dynasty, Four Centuries of Watchmaking in Two Countries, Antique Collector's Club, 2013, p.111, plates 151-153.

Movement: running at time of cataloguing and winding smoothly. Scratch to backplate by the first 'e' of Jurgensen. Dial: appears to be in good condition. Case: with tarnishing and some light scuffs. The shutter for winding aperture is working 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."

This is an especially fine and rare example of a chronometer watch by Urban Jürgensen and the movement features Urban's double numbering system which was reserved for his best timepieces. Although ordered by Count Moltke for his own use, the Jürgensen records note that Moltke lent the watch for use on several scientific expeditions, including to the Arctic; the use of a gold helical balance spring would have been especially well suited to maritime use. Count Adam Wilhelm Moltke (1785-1864) was born at Einsiedelsborg on the island of Funen. Known for his moderate views, he served as Prime Minister of Denmark from 1848-1852.  A very similar watch numbered 24/58 is illustrated in C. Clutton & G. Daniels, Watches, 1965, figs. 441-2.