DESCRIPTION:
EPW - James Hodell & Co, London, marked to dial, minute repeater pocket chronometer with spring detent escapement, free-sprung balance with helical hairspring, 53mm, massive 18K gold original demi-HC with monogram initials to rear, bearing London hallmarks for 1888, casemaker's "P W" in oval cameo, gold cuvette engraved "Presented to Harry Hunt by his father on his coming of age Oct. 13. 1889.," white enamel SS dial signed "Chronometer by James Hodell & Co. London," SW-pin-set, spring detent escapement with capped escape wheel, free-sprung balance with helical hairspring and diamond endstone, at least 16J, gilt mvt marked for Barnby & Rust of 15 Market Place, Hull, s#16584. Gross weight of assembled watch 101.8 dwt (158.3 g). A magnificent minute repeating pocket chronometer with its very heavy gold case having a commanding in-hand presence.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, good repeat function and tone, excellent-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent gilt tone, some mild haze at plate perimeter adjacent "by &" portion of "Barnby & Rust" signature, few mild very small haze spots elsewhere, some small peck marks adjacent stem detent screw, few very mild micro-fine scratches elsewhere; dial with two very small hls above seconds-register, very light hl from center to 12, tiny flakes to rim of seconds-register hole, perimeter fractures and edge flaking outside 7, some perimeter abrasion outside minute chapter between 11 and 12; case shows little wear, some scattered very small nicks to band, excellent engraving detail, demi chapter enameling is fully intact, some well-executed repair of front planchet seam evident to inner surface of lid, one of the original two front lift springs is missing allowing opened lid to tilt back a small bit toward closed with gravity, case front closing with narrow gap to band along right side; tight bow thinned slightly at top, crown shows medium wear; good glass crystals.
ESTIMATE:
$8000
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$12000
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