J.R. Arnold, Chas. Frodsham, London, No. 7198, with London hallmarks for 1851. Very rare 18 ct. gold, early keyless watch in original fitted box. | Important Collectors Wristwatches Pocket Watches & Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 21st October 1995

Important Collectors Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 85

J.R. Arnold, Chas. Frodsham, London, No. 7198, with London hallmarks for 1851. Very rare 18 ct. gold, early keyless watch in original fitted box.

CHF 4,500 - 5,500

C. Double body, massive, "bassine et filets" with reeded band, marked "F.M." (Frederick Samuel Matthews). D. White enamel with Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. Hinged frosted and gilt threequarter plate with going barrel, pointed tooth lateral lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, blued steel balance spring with terminal curve. Prest's keyless winding. Signed on the dial and movement. In good condition. Diam. 45 mm.

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Notes

Note: Rare example of a watch with keyless winding, invented by Prest in 1820 (Patent No. 4501). Thomas Prest was foreman to John Roger Arnold who was almost alone to produce watches incorporating his invention. He died in 1855.