DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Charles Clay, London, gold repoussé verge fusee quarter-hour repeater, 51mm, 18-22K gold original pair cases pierced for sound transmission, outer with classical repoussé scene to rear depicting five adult figures standing in front of a tree along with a small dog at left and a winged putto at right, outer with casemaker's incuse "I L" marking, inner with engraving elements among its foliate scrolled piercing including birds of prey, wolf heads and a grotesque mask, inner with casemaker's incuse "I B" marking, gold dial with stippling and engine turning, KWKS, verge escapement, faceted red endstone, gilt mvt with pierced and foliate scrolled balance cock with grotesque mask at its neck, signed gilt locking dust-cap, s#933. Comes with an associated fitted box as pictured of more recent vintage. Gross weight of assembled watch 91.9 dwt (143.0 g). A magnificent early 18th century gold repoussé repeater, Charles Clay petitioned Parliament in 1716 for a patent on his repeating watch but despite his best efforts the patent was ultimately not granted due to the opposition of Daniel Quare and the Clockmakers' Company.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, good repeat function and superb crisp tone, empty position for a slide below 5 position of dial was likely for a dumb repeat function but slide is not present, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, excellent gilt tone, scattered scratches and fine scratches; virtually flawless dial; excellent hands; outer case shows shows very light wear, repoussé detail with small surface split to one leg of highest relief figure at right side, excellent engraving detail overall with some reduction at high points, button latch good; inner case shows little wear, some fine scratches and dings to rear, excellent engraving detail, small metal split to reverse of brass sleeve around base of depressing gold pendant; tight bow; good domed glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$8000
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$16000
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