Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2309. An exceptionally rare gilt, paste and pearl-set openface keywound two train double dialled musical automaton centre seconds coach watch, Circa 1780.

George Margetts, London

An exceptionally rare gilt, paste and pearl-set openface keywound two train double dialled musical automaton centre seconds coach watch, Circa 1780

Auction Closed

September 19, 06:56 AM GMT

Estimate

500,000 - 1,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

George Margetts, London

An exceptionally rare gilt, paste and pearl-set openface keywound two-train double dialled musical automaton centre seconds coach watch, Circa 1780

Dial: white enamel, sweep centre seconds, visible finely pierced floral decorated gilt brass balance cock, diamond endstone, reverse with a finely painted landscape surmounted by an automaton scene depicting a harlequin tightrope walker

Calibre: gilt-finished two train cylinder movement, chain fusée, musical pin barrel, playing on a nest of five bells on the hour or at will

Case: gilt finely pierced and engraved foliage decorated band, paste and pearl-set bezel

Size: 90 mm diameter

Signed: dial

Accessories: none

The present watch is a large double-dialled musical automaton coach watch. The left dial, marked “Song” and “Dance”, indicates the two available performance modes. The selected performance is activated automatically on the hour or on demand by depressing the push-piece at the top of the watch. The right dial, marked “Faster” and “Slower”, controls the speed of the performance. The present watch is a very rare and unusual timepiece.

A similar double-dialled example, featuring an automaton scene depicting a boat carrying goods and a turning watermill, together with an enamel case back, is preserved in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

George Margetts (1748–1808) was a clockmaker, marine chronometer maker and watchmaker based in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. He was elected to the livery of the Clockmakers’ Company in London in 1779 and produced fine astronomical watches and chronometers. However, Margetts encountered financial difficulties throughout his career, and his watchmaking business went bankrupt in 1788. He subsequently applied his mathematical and astronomical expertise to other pursuits.

Master watchmaker George Daniels studied and further developed concepts found in Margetts’ astronomical watches, which contributed to the development of Daniels’ exceptional Space Traveller watches.

George Margette, London

極罕有，鍍金鑲料石及珍珠雙輪系雙面音樂活動人偶馬車懷錶，鑰匙上弦，約1780年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."