Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

New York, Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, Jun 20, 1998

LOT 101

Smith & Son Ltd., Makers to the Admiralty and to H.M. The King of Spain, Grand Hotel Building, Trafalgar Square, London, No. 162-10, with London hallmarks for 1913. Extremely fine 18K gold, keyless pocket chronometer with 34 minute Karrusel regulator and chronograph with 30 minute instantaneous recorder.

USD 30,000 - 35,000

C. Three body, massive, "bassine " , polished, by Samuel Selim (Master mark) the back engraved with a crest and the motto: Aspiro. Hinged gold cuvette. D. White enamel by Willis, with radial Arabic numerals, outer Arabic minute and chronograph ring, sunk subsidiary seconds and minute register. Blued steel "beetle " hands. M. Glazed 20 "' , frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate, 19 jewels, pointed tooth lateral lever escapement with gold wheel, cut bimetallic balance with gold screws, balance spring with terminal curve. Bonniksen 34 minute Karrusel regulator. Chronograph activated by depressing the winding crown. Signed on the dial and back plate. Diam. 57 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 24-25-51

Slightly chipped

Chipped

Partially reprinted

Notes

Pocket chronometers with centre seconds and 34 minute revolving Karrusel regulator are fairly rare, even more so when fitted with a chronograph. S. Smith & Son The leading London firm for high quality and complicated watches at the end of the 19th Century and during the opening decade of the 20th, was founded by Samuel Smith, jeweller and watchmaker, circa 1851. Watches were made for him by Nicole Nielsen. Alongside a wide range of civilian watches and clocks, Smith's also made chronometers which performed well and made the firm a supplier to the Admiralty. Under the guidance of Herbert S. A. Smith, the firm developed into a large manufacturing company with its own research laboratories, the family succession being continued a further generation by (Sir) Alan Herbert Smith, the company developing to make automobile and aircraft instruments alongside clocks and watches. Addresses: Newington Causeway 1859 179-85 Gt. Portland St. 1914-68 Piccadilly W 1914 9 Strand 1917 6 Grand Hotel Bdgs Trafalgar Squ. 1921 76 Mark Lane 1922