96th Auction
2017/11/18
Lot 272
Kelvin Bottomley & Baird Ltd., 16 Cambridge St., Glasgow, Movement No. 12821, 180 x 185 x 185 mm, circa 1925
A ship's chronometer with 56h power reserve
Case: mahogany. Dial: silvered. Movm.: brass movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement according to Thomas Earnshaw, heavy chronometer balance with 2 weights and 2 screws.
In 1899 the physicist William Thomson, Lord Kelvin of Largs as of 1892, joined the renowned company James White had founded in 1850 for the production of optical measuring devices; from 1913 on the company traded as Kelvin Bottomley and Baird Ltd. and made use of Lord Kelvin's patents for the production of compasses, intercommunication systems and nautical instruments. After several sales and new company foundings the name still exists in the company Kelvin Hughes, as seen for example as retailer's name on navigation watches made by Patek Philippe.
Lord Kelvin died in 1907, highly distinguished and honoured with numerous scientific awards. The Kelvin temperature scale was named after him, likewise moon formations, scientific theories and measuring tools. Tony Mercer recounts the opinion of Lord Kelvin, who stated: 'There is nothing in the whole scientific art, nothing in the results of Mechanics applied to useful purposes for mankind that is a more splendid success than the science of watchmaking.'
A ship's chronometer with 56h power reserve
Case: mahogany. Dial: silvered. Movm.: brass movement, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement according to Thomas Earnshaw, heavy chronometer balance with 2 weights and 2 screws.
In 1899 the physicist William Thomson, Lord Kelvin of Largs as of 1892, joined the renowned company James White had founded in 1850 for the production of optical measuring devices; from 1913 on the company traded as Kelvin Bottomley and Baird Ltd. and made use of Lord Kelvin's patents for the production of compasses, intercommunication systems and nautical instruments. After several sales and new company foundings the name still exists in the company Kelvin Hughes, as seen for example as retailer's name on navigation watches made by Patek Philippe.
Lord Kelvin died in 1907, highly distinguished and honoured with numerous scientific awards. The Kelvin temperature scale was named after him, likewise moon formations, scientific theories and measuring tools. Tony Mercer recounts the opinion of Lord Kelvin, who stated: 'There is nothing in the whole scientific art, nothing in the results of Mechanics applied to useful purposes for mankind that is a more splendid success than the science of watchmaking.'
estimated
2.700—4.000 €
Price realized
-