US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
135
Charles Frodsham
Split-Seconds Minute Repeating Tourbillon
An historically important, well-preserved, and attractive yellow gold minute repeating split-seconds chronograph open-faced keyless pocket watch with one-minute tourbillon, 60-minute register, and enamel dial, sold to J.P. Morgan Jr.
- Estimate
- CHF70,000 - 140,000€75,500 - 151,000$87,900 - 176,000
CHF406,400
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Charles Frodsham
- Year
- 1922
- Movement No
- 09857
- Case No
- 09857
- Model Name
- Split-Seconds Minute Repeating Tourbillon
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 23’’’ gilt three-quarter plate, jeweled
- Dimensions
- 63mm diameter
- Signed
- Dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by its fitted box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
This remarkable minute repeating, split seconds chronograph tourbillon is the work of Charles Frodsham. A highly esteemed English watchmaking firm since the latter half of the 19th century. In 1854, Charles Frodsham succeeded Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy as the Superintendent and Keeper of Her Majesty's Clocks at Buckingham Palace, serving the Queen, the Prince of Wales, and Queen Alexandra. Following Charles's passing, his son Harrison Mill Frodsham took control of the firm and incorporated it as Charles Frodsham & Co. Ltd. in 1893. Harrison Mill Frodsham proved to be a skilled horologist and businessman, and the company continued to thrive as a maker of brilliant timepieces.
The present minute repeating tourbillon split-seconds chronograph pocket watch is part of a series of approximately 25 watches ordered by J.P. Morgan and J.P. Morgan Jr. between 1898 to 1934 and gifted to partners in the bank or family members.
The inner caseback is engraved” From John Pierpont Morgan to Elliot C. Bacon, to entering the firm of J.P. Morgan & Co., December 31, 1919. As the hallmarks of the watch indicate it was made in 1922 we believe the inscription in the cuvette refers to the date Bacon joined the company.
During their production, these watches were among the most intricate and expensive English timepieces available, retailing between £200 and £350.
Elliot Cowdin Bacon was born in 1888, the son of Robert L. Bacon and Martha Waldron Cowdin. He graduated from Harvard in 1910, where he was captain of the University Crew, and later became one of the youngest partners at J. P. Morgan & Co. He also served as a Captain of the 304th Field Artillery, 77th Division, during World War I. After the war, he lived in Manhattan with his wife, Hope L. Norman, and their four children. He passed away in 1924 at the age of 36.
His father, Robert Bacon (1860-1919), was a prominent American statesman and banker. Robert Bacon served as Assistant Secretary of State, then briefly as Secretary of State during the final 38 days of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, and later as Ambassador to France. He also had a career in investment banking and was a partner at J. P. Morgan & Co. before entering diplomatic service.
The present minute repeating tourbillon split-seconds chronograph pocket watch is part of a series of approximately 25 watches ordered by J.P. Morgan and J.P. Morgan Jr. between 1898 to 1934 and gifted to partners in the bank or family members.
The inner caseback is engraved” From John Pierpont Morgan to Elliot C. Bacon, to entering the firm of J.P. Morgan & Co., December 31, 1919. As the hallmarks of the watch indicate it was made in 1922 we believe the inscription in the cuvette refers to the date Bacon joined the company.
During their production, these watches were among the most intricate and expensive English timepieces available, retailing between £200 and £350.
Elliot Cowdin Bacon was born in 1888, the son of Robert L. Bacon and Martha Waldron Cowdin. He graduated from Harvard in 1910, where he was captain of the University Crew, and later became one of the youngest partners at J. P. Morgan & Co. He also served as a Captain of the 304th Field Artillery, 77th Division, during World War I. After the war, he lived in Manhattan with his wife, Hope L. Norman, and their four children. He passed away in 1924 at the age of 36.
His father, Robert Bacon (1860-1919), was a prominent American statesman and banker. Robert Bacon served as Assistant Secretary of State, then briefly as Secretary of State during the final 38 days of Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency, and later as Ambassador to France. He also had a career in investment banking and was a partner at J. P. Morgan & Co. before entering diplomatic service.
Provenance