The Longitude at the Eve of the Third...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 23, 1999

LOT 144

J. J. Durrant & Son, 40 Cheapside, London,No. 40060, with London hallmarks for 1887.Fine 18K gold half hunting cased keyless watch with split seconds chronograph, tachometer and60 minutes progressive recorder, in original fitted box.

CHF 10,000 - 12,000

C. Four body massive "bassine", polished, by Emile Nielsen (Master mark), the cover with black champlevé enamelled Roman numerals on border of the dial aperture, the back engraved with a monogram. Hinged gold cuvette. D. White enamel, canister type, by Willis, Roman numerals, outer Arabic minute ring with chronograph divisions, tachometer scale for 15 miles, sunk subsidiary seconds at 9 and minute register at 3. Blued-steel spade hands, gold and steel chronograph. M. 19''' frosted and gilt threequarter plate, 20 jewels, screwed main settings, pointed tooth lateral lever escapement with gold counterpoised screw, cut bimetallic balance, blued-steel, balance spring with terminal curve and swan neck micrometric index. Split seconds chronograph with visible work and push-pieces in the band.Signed on the dial and back plate.Diam. 59 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: * 3
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Although it is signed by Durrant, this watch, which is fitted with the split seconds mechanism divised by Nicole Nielsen, the finest English watchmaker of his day, was produced in his workshop.