English 18 carat gold deck chronometer with carrousel Circa 1897

Gold Observatory deck chronometer
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A deck chronometer with carrousel, awarded especially good in Kew – Class A, made by Smith & Son in London, England, circa 1897. The numbered open faced case of this watch, which was crafted from 18 carat gold, has Hallmarks for 1879, a monogram on the back and a cuvette with the gift dedication Presented to M^R W.B. Cox by the Clergy & Congregation of S^T Columbia Gateshead a memento of 17 years service as Organist & Choirmaster 20^th December 1898. The numbered white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, blued steel hands and the inscription Class A Kew Certified. The numbered movement of this Observatory pocket watch has an exquisite chronometer escapement also inscribed Class A Certificate Kew Observatory and Makers to the Admiralty.
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Diameter: 51,5 mm
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Weight: 112 g
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Signed: S. Smith & Son 9 Strand London WC
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The watch comes with an extract from the chronometer database. It achieved 85.5 points and the award “especially good” in the category Kew – Class A.

Gold observatory chronometers with a carrousel movement are exceptionally rare and valuable, especially from such renowned manufacturers as S. Smith & Son. In 1991, a chronometer with carrousel from Smith & Son achieved a record price at an auction in Geneva.