Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

Lund & Blockley. A silver open-faced explorer’s keyless deck watch with up-and-down indication and crown protection, no. 2/1008, 1883.
Movement: gilded three-quarter plate, lever escapement, no. 2/1008.
Dial: white enamel, Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds, up-and-down indication.
Case: silver, screw-down back and bezel, back with engraved monogram, winding crown with screw-down protective cover with short safety chain, hallmarked London 1883, marker’s mark PW.
Signed: dial and movement signed Lund & Blockley, 42 Pall Mall, London, To the Queen.
Dimensions: diameter 58mm. £2,000-£3,000

These so called ‘Travellers’ watches were sold by Herbert Blockley from the late 1870’s until around 1925.
The Royal Geographical Society purchased approximately 28 pieces from Lund & Blockley and their successor. Their robust construction with protective crown cover meant they were ideal watches for use on expeditions. The Society lent these watches to their members for Polar and African expeditions.