• gilt brass full plate movement, spring detent escapement, fusee and chain, S-type balance • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer minute track with Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial • brass case, stepped bezel, later mounted on a mahogany crescent shaped base • dial and movement signed

Sotheby's London, February 4, 1974, lot 214.

Movement oscillates at time of cataloging, however not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion, does not retain time. Case with some modifications to accompany the later base. The dial in fair condition with minor hairlines. Case with some wear and oxidation. The base with some chips and loss of finish.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

George Margetts (1748-1808) was born in Oxfordshire and was made free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1779. He was elected to the Livery of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1799. Though little is known about his life, short of the belief that he died in an insane asylum, he remains remembered for his astronomical watches and eight-day chronometers.

Margetts was a petitioner to the Board of Longitude on several occasions, with the goal to secure funds for his various projects that related to finding Longitude and improvements in astronomy. The Board did grant him some funding as did the East India Company. The latter he supplied with tables to assist navigators. For further information on Margetts, see Anthony G. Randall, The Time Museum Catalogue of Marine Chronometers, pp.234-240.