The present watch features two of Adolph Nicole's ingenious inventions, namely his early keyless winding and hand-setting system, English Patent No. 10348 of 14 October 1844, preceding Adrien Philippe's French patent for his first keyless winding system by some months. Philippe's design however did not require a separate button for the setting of the hands. The watch is moreover fitted with English patent no. 1461 granted to Nicole in May 1862 for the first English chronograph mechanism where the hands for seconds and minute recording could be reset to zero and furthermore started, stopped and reset consecutively by a single button. For a comparable chronograph, also dating from 1866-7, signed Dent, however with the addition of a second chronograph hand and subsidiary seconds, see The English Watch 1585-1970 by Terence Camerer Cuss, p. 405, pl. 258.

By 1846, the renowned watchmakers E. Dent & Co. had acquired the rights for Adolphe Nicole's keyless winding patent no. 10348, becoming sole licensees. For a watch signed E. Dent with comparable movement fitted with this system see op.cit., p. 400, pl. 253.

The Estate of Dr. Adrian Christie
The Estate of Dr. Adrian Christie reflects the life and passions of a man devoted both to science and the art of timekeeping. A respected pathologist with a medical degree from the University of Wales College of Medicine, Dr. Christie practiced medicine for decades while cultivating a deep appreciation for horology in his spare time. His collecting journey began during a visit to Johannesburg, South Africa, where the discovery of an antique pocket watch inspired a lifelong pursuit that spanned from 17th-century English verge watches to modern classics such as the Patek Philippe Aquanaut and Rolex Submariner. Indeed, Dr. Christie was a passionate member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

In his writings for the Macomb County Medical Society Journal, Dr. Christie reflected on how his fascination with watches deepened his understanding of history itself—a passion epitomized by several pieces in his collection, including a remarkable enamel-portrait pocket watch of General Rudra Shumsher, and a highly complicated hunting cased watch made in celebration of King George V.

We are pleased to celebrate Dr. Christie’s collection this season and thank Mrs. Mynetta Christie for her loving anecdotes of a wonderful member of the collecting community.