Lot 685

Henry Capt à Genève, "Chronomètre", Movement No. 31358, Case No. 31358, 54 mm, 145 g, circa 1878
A rare, heavy ten-minute repeating hunting case pocket watch - from the property of the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, William Croswell Doane
Case: 18k gold, monogrammed, glazed movement. Dial: enamel. Movm.: bridge movement, 2 hammers / 2 gongs, screw compensation balance.
A striking watch that comes with a history as well as an unusual 10 minute repeater, in a fine ornamental case; flat covers with distinctive reeded edges bear the initials WCD and a coat of arms with a bishop’s cap, a unicorn, and the motto "Right Onward". The inscription indicates that this precious watch was a gift from Margaret Condit, Doane’s sister-in-law, on the occasion of his silver wedding anniversary on November 24, 1878. The words "Time and the hour run through the roughest day" frame the inscription.
William Croswell Doane (1832-1913) was born as son of the Rector of Trinity Church in Boston. When his father became Bishop of New Jersey, the family moved to Burlington. After graduation William Croswell became an Episcopal priest and was ordained a deacon. In 1853 he married Sarah Katharine Condit, who we owe this watch to - while her husband later spoke out strongly against the women’s movement and fiercely supported the idea of men’s dominion over women. The diocese of Albany was established in 1868 and Doane was its first Bishop until he died.

Sold