Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Hotel Noga Hilton, Oct 16, 2005

LOT 37

T. Benson, London, No. 1. Made for the Chinese market, circa 1775. Fine and unusual, gilt brass and paste set pocket watch with off-set seconds dial and skeletonized movement.

CHF 4,500 - 6,500

EUR 3,000 - 4,200 / USD 3,700 - 5,300

Sold: CHF 6,325

C. Two-body, polished, domed glazed back to view the movement, the bezels set with red and white pastes. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and Arabic five minute numerals, off-set subsidiary seconds at 7, gilt scroll and fleur-de-lys decoration. Gold beetle and arrow hour and minute hands. M. 37.5 mm., gilt with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, flat-rim polished steel balance wheel with six crossings, blued steel flat balance spring, small footed cock with silvered regulation dial, skeletonized mainspring barrel, the backplate pierced and chased with scrolls and flowers. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 55 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 3-14

Good

Damaged
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-24-03

Good

Slightly chipped

HANDS Period

Notes

Although several makers by the name of Benson were working during the second half of the 18th century, T. Benson cannot be traced. As this watch is numbered 1, it is probable that he made only a small number of pieces. The present watch is charming and is obviously made in the style of the watches that James Cox and William Ilbery made for the Chinese market. This watch presents the opportunity for the collector to own a Chinese market watch by a less prolific maker and with features that add to the genre of known watches made for the Chinese market. The present lot was previously sold by Antiquorum Geneva, on April 10, 1994, lot 57.