Robert Milne

Robert Milne, 40 South King St. , Manchester, No. 1506, London hallmarks for 1908-09. Fine 18K gold, keyless watch with Bonniksen patented Karrusel regulator, winner of the Kew Observatory “Especially Good” Certificate, with a score of 91.0 points. Four-body, “pommes”, back with finely engraved coat-of-arms, gold hingedcuvette. White enamel, probably by Willis, radial Roman numerals and sunk subsidiaryseconds. Blued steel “spade” hands. 43 mm, frosted gilt, three-quarter plate, 17 jewels, lateralcalibrated lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with free-sprung Breguet balance spring with terminal curve, diamondendstone, whole on Bonniksen 52 1/2 minute Karrusel regulator.Punched with Bonniksen’s mark on the pillar plate.Diam. 54 mm. Notes Bahne Bonniksen (1859-1935) is listed as working at 16 Norfolk St., Spoon End, Coventry. Bonniksen was born in Denmark and completed his horological apprenticeship under T. D. Wright in London, Wright was later appointed lecturer at the Northampton Polytechnic, London for his work on the theory of chronometer manufacture. After completing his apprenticeship, Bonniksen moved to Coventry where he set up his workshops. In 1893 Bonniksen made an application to the British Patent Office for his Karrusel regulator, in November of the same year he was granted Patent No.21421 for this invention. The present lot was sold on November 2004 by Antiquorum Geneva lot 32.