An antique Le Roy et Fils mid-size pocket watch key wind…

 

circa. A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.

engine turned. A form of decoration of an object by creating a repeating geometric pattern by turning in a special lathe, called a rose engine or decoration lathe. Engine turned decoration can be found decorating clocks and watches, ceramics, silver, jewellery and precious objects. Where an engine turned item has been enamelled, the term used to describe the decoration is usually guilloche.

hunter. A hunter pocket watch is the type where the case includes a spring-hinged circular metal lid or cover, that closes over the glass face of the watch, protecting it from dust, scratches and other damage or debris. The majority of antique and vintage hunter-case watches have the lid-hinges at the 9 o’clock position, suiting the right handed user.

The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.