| Few of these watches were made and have increased in value dramatically over the past few years. Different versions of English lever movements were utilised, some going barrel without the power reserve indication. This is one of the better versions having a keyless fusee mechanism. Most were commissioned by The Royal Geographic Society for use on
expeditions to places where severe climate conditions would be expected, such as the polar regions. The firm of Usher and Cole made many of these watches for Herbert Blockley, this is probably one such example. See Beobachtungsuhren by Norbert Eber, page 176, the Camerer Cuss Book of Antique Watches page 293 and the NAWCC Bulletin February 1991, page 48 for similar watches. Owned by Vice Admiral Arthur William Craig Waller it was most probably a gift at
the beginning of his Naval Career. Born 18th June 1872 he was the son of the Very Reverend Dean of Clonmacnois. His Naval career saw him serving in the Europan War from 1914 to 1919 and in 1915 serving as Captain of HMS Albermarle. In 1916 he became Captain of HMS Burham, the flagship of the 5th battle squadron at the Battle of Jutland and for which he received a C.B. The Battle of Jutland was one of the most complicated in history, with the involvement of
some two hundred and fifty ships. (150 British and 101 German). The Battle took place under such bad weather conditions, that it was a rare moment when more than a few ships at a time could follow the movements of their own forces and thousands of lives were lost. In 1919 he was promoted to Rear Admiral but retired shortly after in 1920 when he inherited the family property, Allenston in Ireland. It was at this point that the Waller was added to his name. On retirement
he was awarded the rank of Vice Admiral. He died in 1943 at the age of 71.
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