Lot 251: GEORGE DANIELS

A FINE AND RARE GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND DANIELS SLIM CO-AXIAL ESCAPEMENT
MILLENNIUM, CIRCA 1999

diameter 37mm

18k, gilt brass movement, slim co-axial escapement, mono-metallic free-sprung balance, gold engine-turned rotor, eccentric outer rim with engraved foliate decoration, silvered engine-turned dial, gold Daniels hands, eccentric gold chapter ring, roman numerals, gold date ring with silver cartouches either side signed Daniels and London, circular case with moulded bezel, winding crown positioned between 7 abd 8 o'clock, sapphire crystal display case back, case, case hallmarked for London 1999 and stamped D L 99, dial and movement signed

NOTE

Dr. George Daniels is recognised as one of the greatest watchmakers of the 20th Century. In 1981 he received an MBE for his services to horology - the first watchmaker ever to receive such an honour. The current lot incorporates his patented 'Co-Axial' escapement which Daniels developed during the 1970s. The revolutionary escapement is designed to run unaffected by the deterioration of its lubricant. The Millennium wristwatches were made by George Daniels in a very limited series to mark the start of the new millennium. Hand-made, each piece is unique and slight variances can be observed whether in case metal, hands or decorative finishes. The prototype Millennium wristwatch and three further examples of the model were exhibited at the George Daniels Retrospective exhibition held at Sotheby's in July 2006, exhibits 33-36, pages 86-89 of the Exhibition Catalogue.