Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 150

James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London, No. 447, circa 1856. Important, eight day going, domestic chronometer.

C. Mounted for display purposes in an elaborate cast and engraved gilt brass frame designed to resemble a swing toilet-rniror and to allow the movement to be viewed from all angles in its glass-sided 'bowl" and also for the piece to be used either as a normal houseclock or elle dial-up like a marine chronometer. The heavy, fully engraved gilt brass base set with an upward-facing bevelled mirror. The matching side supports display on one side a family coat-of-arms and on the other a monogram, both protected by glass. The whole is supported upon engraved splayed feet. D. Silvered brass, conventionally laid out in chronometer style with Roman numerals, large subsidiary seconds and up-and-down scale. Blued steel "Pendleton fleur de lys" bands. M. Of the best possible quality, spotted brass with main frame and sub-frame, cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain and maintaining power, Earnshaw type spring detent escapement, bimetallic compensation balance, freesprung blued steel helical balance spring with terminal curves, diamond endstone to the balance cock. Signed on the dial and back plate. In excellent condition. Dial diam.120 mm. Dim. 25.5 x 25 x 16 cm.