1009
Charles Frodsham
- Estimate
- HK$80,000 - 160,000€9,400 - 18,700$10,300 - 20,500
HK$711,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Charles Frodsham
- Year
- Circa 1932
- Movement No
- 010322
- Case No
- 010322
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 20’’’ gilt three-quarter plate, jewelled
- Dimensions
- 56mm diameter
- Signed
- Case hallmarked London 1932 with casemaker initials “HMF” for Harrison Mill Frodsham, dial signed Chas. Frodsham, movement signed “Chas. Frodsham, 27 South Molton St. London, by appointment to the King”, numbered 010322 and ADFmsz
Specialist
Catalogue Essay
Charles Frodsham is a highly esteemed English watchmaking firm since 1834. In 1854, Charles Frodsham succeeded Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy as the Superintendent and Keeper of Her Majesty's Clocks at Buckingham Palace, serving the King, 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.
This remarkable pocket watch incorporates a minute repeater and split-seconds chronograph. The dial is hand-made with an engine-turned center and polished chapter ring with black Roman numerals complimented by gold polished subsidiary rings. Breguet-style hands indicate the hours and minutes. The dial is incredibly well-preserved.
The case is adorned with details such as guilloche patterns on the caseband and caseback. Many Frodsham watches particularly feature the coded letters "AD Fmsz" on the dials and movements. This cryptogram corresponds to 1850 when Charles Frodsham introduced his new caliper watch and was subsequently used as a symbol of the highest quality.
The caseback is fully London hallmarked, the date letter "r" serving as the stamp corresponding 1932, and "HMF" denoting Harrison Mill Frodsham as the casemaker. Notably, the three-quarter plate movement of the watch features interesting engravings such as the business premises of Charles Frodsham at "27 South Molton St. London".
Notably, the present timepiece has been kept in the same collection for nearly three decades by a very prominent family. Today, Charles Frodsham continues to craft wristwatches of exceptional quality, with their iconic Double Impulse Chronometer garnering significant success in auctions. It stands as a pinnacle of English watchmaking.
This remarkable pocket watch incorporates a minute repeater and split-seconds chronograph. The dial is hand-made with an engine-turned center and polished chapter ring with black Roman numerals complimented by gold polished subsidiary rings. Breguet-style hands indicate the hours and minutes. The dial is incredibly well-preserved.
The case is adorned with details such as guilloche patterns on the caseband and caseback. Many Frodsham watches particularly feature the coded letters "AD Fmsz" on the dials and movements. This cryptogram corresponds to 1850 when Charles Frodsham introduced his new caliper watch and was subsequently used as a symbol of the highest quality.
The caseback is fully London hallmarked, the date letter "r" serving as the stamp corresponding 1932, and "HMF" denoting Harrison Mill Frodsham as the casemaker. Notably, the three-quarter plate movement of the watch features interesting engravings such as the business premises of Charles Frodsham at "27 South Molton St. London".
Notably, the present timepiece has been kept in the same collection for nearly three decades by a very prominent family. Today, Charles Frodsham continues to craft wristwatches of exceptional quality, with their iconic Double Impulse Chronometer garnering significant success in auctions. It stands as a pinnacle of English watchmaking.