Sotheby’s London, 7 July – The Celebration of the English Watch, Part II

Auctions · · by Christian Bissener


Silver pocket watch by Thomas Mudge with white enamel dial, date and moon phase, with an auction tag

The printed catalogue for Sotheby’s sale “The Celebration of the English Watch, Part II” in London on 7 July is a remarkable one. It brings together works by John Harrison, Thomas Earnshaw, John Arnold, Thomas Mudge, Charles Frodsham and Josiah Emery – a dozen or more historically important timepieces of museum character in a single sale, and a rare chance for serious collectors. The quality of each piece matches its rarity and importance, and Sotheby’s has clearly put a great deal of work into the offering.

Choosing was difficult. These are the six lots we picked.

Lot 28 – Thomas Mudge

Possibly the earliest perpetual calendar, circa 1762. Only one other is known, number 574; this is number 525. Estimate £50,000–60,000.

Open silver pocket watch by Thomas Mudge showing the gilt movement plate with engraving and jewels
Thomas Mudge, number 525 – the movement

Lot 37 – John Barton

A portrait watch of John Harrison, who was recognised in 1772, very late in his life, as the man who had solved the longitude problem, after seeking the help of King George III.

Gold locket-style case with an agate cameo of a man in profile, set in a decorated gold frame
John Barton – the cameo portrait of John Harrison

Gold pocket watch with white enamel dial and Roman numerals
The enamel dial

Gold pocket watch movement with blue jewels, engraved plate and blued screws
The movement

Lot 38 – John Arnold

The only known pivoted detent chronometer with double S balance to survive in its original state. Estimate £130,000–150,000.

Silver pocket watch signed John Arnold London, with white dial, Roman numerals and sub-seconds
John Arnold, number 78

Open silver pocket watch showing the gilt movement plate with ornate engraving and blue jewels
The movement

Lot 39 – Thomas Earnshaw, signed Thomas Wright

The only known spring detent chronometer by Thomas Earnshaw signed Thomas Wright. Estimate £250,000–300,000.

Gold pocket watch with white dial, Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial
Thomas Earnshaw, signed Thomas Wright

Open gold pocket watch with gilt movement and engraved bridge on a dark background
The movement

Lot 41 – Josiah Emery

Emery succeeded Thomas Mudge, and this is the third-earliest lever escapement made by him, in complete condition. Estimate £100,000–200,000.

Gold pocket watch by Josiah Emery with a two-tone white dial, Roman numerals and London signature
Josiah Emery, London

Open gold pocket watch with gilt movement and visible lever escapement parts
The lever escapement

Lot 77 – Charles Frodsham

A two-day chronometer with wooden deck box, probably sold to a private yacht owner for competitive yacht racing. Estimate £30,000–50,000.

Silver pocket chronometer by Charles Frodsham with black Roman numerals, sub-dials and London signature
Charles Frodsham, two-day chronometer

Closed mahogany deck box with a pale shield-shaped inlay on the lid
The wooden deck box

Sotheby’s online catalogue

Photographs: Sotheby’s.