Lot Essay
Albert H. Potter (1836-1908) established himself in New York City as one of the finest American watchmakers, crafting approximately thirty-five movements, which sold in gold cases. After several years in Cuba and then Chicago, Potter relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, to improve his skills, producing nearly six hundred watches. By developing numerous escapement variations, Potter earned a reputation in the highest company of watchmakers and had little difficulty obtaining work with the finest artists in Geneva. Unfortunately, American watchmaking companies would never catch up to their European counterparts, and thus, would be unable to reclaim their native master.