Only Online Auction

Geneva, Jan 03, 2022

LOT 90

Attributable to DuBois & Fils
Pocket watch, engraved movement incorporating a compass; “Mi Chronomètre”; silver

CHF 500 - 1,000

EUR 500 - 1,000 / USD 550 - 1,100 / HKD 4,300 - 8,500

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: CHF 375

Silver, open-face, key-winding, round-shaped, pocket watch, with subsidiary seconds at 6.
Case-back engraved and guilloché (engine-turned); fluted case-band; silver cuvette (dome).
Two-tone white and pink enamel dial with radial Roman numerals; gilded metal and blued steel “Spade” hands.
18’’’ ½, ¾ plate, partly skeleton and engraved with a castle décor, nickel-plated, going barrel, cylinder escapement, monometallic balance (probably gilded brass) and blued steel flat hairspring, polished steel index-regulator; compass with wind-rose built into the movement.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-11

Good

Slightly worn
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Brand Dubois & Fils, Le Locle

Model “Mi Chronomètre”

Year circa 1860

Movement No. unnumbered

Case No. 11 938

Diameter 47.9 mm.

Caliber 18’’’ ½, cylinder escapement

Weight 73.4 gr. (approx.)

Notes

This type of watch produced in the Neuchâtel mountains can be attributed to the firm of DuBois & Fils, which in the mid-19th century specialised in watches of unusual design and technical curiosities. The company, founded by Philippe DuBois (1738-1808), became one of the most prominent in the Neuchâtel region for over two centuries.
Several watches incorporating a compass are known, some signed by Lucien Dubois who is probably part of the above-mentioned dynasty. Some have the compass visible on the dial side, others on the movement side. In the latter case the movement has fully engraved bridges in the shape of animals. Many of these watches are destined for export markets.

CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION FOR BUYERS

The purchase price payable by a buyer will be the sum of the final bid price plus the buyer’s premium, together with any applicable sales or compensating use tax. In addition to the hammer price, the buyer’s premium is payable as follows: 25% of the hammer price on each lot.

Important notice – Special conditions Please look carefully at all the photos as they are an integral part of the description. Any defect not mentioned in the descriptions but visible on the photos will be considered as described and cannot lead to any claim. The dimensions are given as an indication and may slightly differ from the measures mentioned by the manufacturers especially for contemporary watches. The photos are not retouched. Colors may differ from reality. For timepieces, we guarantee neither the functioning nor the precision of the movement, nor the water-resistance of the case. In addition, please note that movements, parts of mechanisms or cases may be incomplete. The lots are sold “as is”, described to the best of our knowledge and cannot be returned. Once the online bid is placed by the bidder, it cannot be cancelled.