Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 274
Aquastar
Ref. 143.600, fly-back centre-seconds, regatta yacht-timer, patented countdown counter, silver dial; “Regate”; stainless steel
Ref. 143.600, fly-back centre-seconds, regatta yacht-timer, patented countdown counter, silver dial; “Regate”; stainless steel
EUR 1,500 - 3,000
USD 1,800 - 3,600 / HKD 13,900 - 27,700
Sold: EUR 1,430
Stainless steel, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, regatta wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, silver colour dial with applied radial indexes, fly-back “retour en vol” centre-seconds (activated by the single round-shaped push-piece located at 4 o’clock) and one horological complications:
• Dragging 5-minute counter (apertures on the upper part)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-9-01 |
Good Scratched HANDS Original |
Brand Aquastar, Geneva
Model “Regate”
Reference 143.600
Year circa 1965-1970
Movement No. unnumbered
Case No. unnumbered
Bracelet black leather strap; stainless steel buckle
Diameter 37.5 mm. (bezel)
Caliber F 4000 N (by Felsa, La Chaux-de-Fonds)
Dimensions 47.4 x 37.5 mm
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories copy of the invention patent
Notes
Movement based on the Swiss invention patent No. 385 114, delivered on November 30, 1964 (application filed on February 15, 1961), to Jean Richard S.A., La Chaux-de-Fonds, for a “Pièce d’horlogerie permettant le comptage d’un nombre restreint de minutes” (timepiece allowing the counting of a limited number of minutes), Frédéric Robert, Geneva, and Raoul-H. Erard, La Chaux-de-Fonds, are mentioned as the inventors.
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Aquastar, “Regate”
In 1961, Jean Richard S.A. had filed for a patent for a regatta watch with a 5-minute countdown function. This patent represents the “Birth Certificate” of the regatta yacht-timer watches as we still know them today. Not long afterwards, Frédéric Robert (mentioned as co-inventor in the patent) developed the Aquastar “Regate” from this patent using a modified Felsa 4000 N movement. This became the first Regatta yacht-timer wristwatch on the market, being launched in 1964.