Lot 160

Kilpatrick & Co./Alfred Emmanuel Fridlander

A heavy London precision pocket watch with 30h power reserve - "KEW A Chronometer" - with extract from the chronometer archives by Andreas Hidding

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In 1888 this chronometer took part in the chronometer test at the Kew observatory, Old Deer Park, Richmond, London and achieved 83,1 points and the awarding "especially good" in the category "Kew - Class A". It was made by Alfred Emmanuel Fridlander and was retailed by Kilpatrick & Co.

Kilpatrick & Co. was a London-based jeweller who founded a presence in Melbourne, Australia in 1853.
English watchmaker Alfred Emmanuel Fridlander (1840-1928) was one of the most successful watch manufacturers in Coventry. He was a member of a respected Jewish family of German descent. He held the position of secretary to the Jewish community and synagogue. He was also a member of the Trinity 254 masonic lodge founded in 1755. Fridlander served as councillor, magistrate as well as secretary of the Coventry Fire brigade.
Fridlander produced watches for various retailers such as the reputed company Samuel Smith & Son in London and was appointed “Maker to the Admiralty". The Royal Geographical Society was among Fridlander’s most important clients. From 1878 to 1928 the Society ordered circa 40 pocket watches for use during scientific expeditions from him. Outside his horological ventures, Fridlander was also a very active businessman – he was director oft he Triumph Cycle Company and deputy chairman of the Leigh Mills Company. Alfred Emmanuel Fridlander died a wealthy man in 1929.