Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 18, 1997

LOT 468

Unsigned (Tavernier), circa 1820. Very rareare 18K gold Tavernier mechanical moon phase astronomical calendar key, with time of sunrise and sunset.

CHF 20,000 - 22,000

C. Empire, polished, glazed on both faces. D. White enamel on the front with days of the week and outer rings for phases and age of the moon and date. Blued steel hands. White enamel on the rear face for sunrise and sunset time and small subsidiary dial for months with indication of their number of days. M. All the functions advance by depressing a small lever which protrudes out of the band each time the key is inserted on the winding square. Diam. 27 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 4

Fair
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 22-51

Later original

Partially reprinted

Notes

This watch is today, the most complicated one known to exist. Although it is not signed, and fitted with unusual new indications, this key is very similar and and based on the same principle to that illustrated on Tavernier 's own advertisement. A reproduction of the original instructions supplied by Tavernier for such astronomical keys, is published by Mathieu Planchon in ~Vlusee retrospectif de la Classe 96, Horlogerie a /Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 a Paris, p. 141, pl. CXVIII bis.