PREVIEW: WATCHES 13 SEPTEMBER

Among the Rolex, Cartier, Tag Heuer and other eminent brand names in Noonans’ upcoming Watches auction is this elegant Arnold & Charles Frodsham gold open-faced quarter repeating watch, dating to 1866.

Charles Frodsham & Co. is the longest continuously trading firm of chronometer manufacturers in the world and still holds a Royal warrant as supplier of clocks to the British Royal Family.

With a dial and movement signed Arnold Charles Frodsham 84 Strand, London, AD. Fmsz, No. 03460, this quarter repeating pocket watch has an 18ct gold case, with engraved inscription, engine-turned back with engraved crest and repeating slide to band.

It is hallmarked for 1866, with the marker’s mark AS for Alfred Sram, and the inner case is engraved Matthew Heath 1869.

“Frodsham was a very significant figure in horological circles in the mid 19th century and was a founding member and later Vice President of the British Horological Institute,” says Noonans Watches specialist Joanne Lewis. “He even succeeded Benjamin Vulliamy as Superintendent and Keeper of Her Majesty’s Clocks at Buckingham Palace.”