Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 12, 2013

LOT 77

LEPINE CLOCK WITH CONSTANT FORCE ESCAPEMENT Lépine, Place des Victoires, Paris, No. 7060. Made circa 1840. Very fine and very rare, gilt brass and marble, dead center-seconds table regulator striking hours and halfhours with constant force escapement and thermometer in the pendulum?s bob.

CHF 15,000 - 20,000

HKD 125,000 - 165,000 / USD 16,000 - 21,000

Sold: CHF 20,000

C. Gilt brass, glazed on all sides, white marble base with florally decorated feet, arched top with a vase finial, four small leaf and berry finials on each corner. D. White enamel annular chapter ring, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, inner seconds divisions with 10-minute radial Arabic markers, brass center partially skeletonized for viewing the constant force escapement. M. Circular, brass, 145 mm., going barrels for both trains, anchor escapement with constant force supplied via the gravity of the last wheel that meshes with the escape wheel, ?Berthoud? 9-rod gridiron pendulum, knife edge suspension, micrometric beat adjustment on the crutch, Réaumur thermometer in the bob. Dial and movement signed. DIM. 61 x 27 x 19 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-71-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairlines

HANDS Original

Notes

The movement of the present clock employs an ingenious constant force mechanism probably invented by Janvier, in which the impulse is given to the escapement by the gravity of the wheel driving the escape wheel. The train, after an impulse, lifts the wheel, storing enough energy for the next impulse.