George Daniels - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: George Daniels
    Year: Circa 2017
    Movement No: No. 16
    Model Name: Anniversary
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, co-axial escapement
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Daniels deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial and clasp signed Daniels. Case with sponsor’s mark for Roger Smith, London hallmarks for 2017, and hallmarked for 18K gold. Clasp also with London hallmarks for 2018.
    Accessories: Accompanied by fitted presentation box, polishing cloth, slip case, and key. Additionally accompanied by “Master Watchmakers of the Isle of Man” limited series of stamps, magazine article about George Daniels and Roger Smith, and photocopy of original instruction manual.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The historical cosmos of watchmaking is studded with incredibly bright stars, shining brilliantly as individuals to make up the intricate mechanics of the night sky. Like any star, the gravitational pull of genius makes it near impossible for two to exist together in close proximity. Looking deeply into space reveals a vanishingly small number of binary systems that not only survive together but reinforce each others’ orbit.

    The relationship between George Daniels and Roger Smith is now seen as totally intrinsic and, like binary stars, will still be tightly linked in the distant future.

    George Daniels, widely considered the 20th century’s most important watch-maker, had fathered the independent watch industry, reinvented horology’s 250-year old central regulator, and helped make one of Switzerland’s proudest manufactures technically exciting again. He was also approaching the end of his career.

    In the meantime, his one-time apprentice had unlocked a nascent talent, acquired a breath-taking skill set, and was beginning to establish himself in the firmament of watchmaking.
    Together, they worked on a project that would celebrate 35 years of the Daniels invention, his Co-Axial Escapement. Both a salute to George’s career and a recognition of Roger’s mastering of the craft, the Anniversary series of watches served to truly marry both makers names together.

    Built on the foundations established by Daniels, Roger’s plan for the Anniversary series was evolution, not revolution. We find the typically detailed solid silver dial and eccentric indications that characterizes both watchmakers work and their love of Breguet’s timeless aesthetics. Though familiar, the proportions of the case are enhanced, with bolder, heavier lugs, matching the hefty movement plates characteristic of British watchmaking.

    Where the Anniversary becomes something more than a simple tribute is in its movement. The Daniels Co-axial escapement is heavily revised and re-engineered. Not by its creator, but by Smith. The fresh iteration is not only more efficient in use but also simpler and more reliable in construction, the wheel is (again) literally reinvented. As described by Daniels, “This development, conceived by Roger Smith, guarantees both radial and concentric orientation of the two sets of teeth and their pivot point and I see it as a natural and useful development of my escapement.”

    That the famously curmudgeonly and fiercely independent Daniels signed off every aspect of this watch is not only testament to his young friend’s mercurial talent and hard-won skills, but also, like any good innovator, the wish to see his work evolve.

    This watch is offered in exceptional original condition for the first time by its original owner, a discerning and educated collector, with its original accessories.

    CONSIGNED BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER

Σ14

An impressive, historically important, and extremely rare yellow gold wristwatch with power reserve indicator and date, numbered 16 of a limited edition of 35 pieces

Circa 2017
40mm Diameter
Dial and clasp signed Daniels. Case with sponsor’s mark for Roger Smith, London hallmarks for 2017, and hallmarked for 18K gold. Clasp also with London hallmarks for 2018.

Estimate
$500,000 - 1,000,000 
CHF443,000-886,000
€458,000-916,000
HK$3,900,000-7,800,000
S$672,000-1,340,000

Sold for $609,600

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023