Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 12, 1996
LOT 166
A.S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Freres, la Chaux-de- Fonds), Swiss, Mysteriense, Srevete S.G.D.G., circa 1890. Fine and rare silver, early, keyless mysterious watch.
CHF 2,500 - 3,000
Sold: CHF 2,990
C. Three body, "bassine et filets", polished, glazed on the back. D. Eccentric glass with radial Arabic numerals and outer minute ring. Polished steel "spade" hands. Engine-turned dial plate with foliage decoration M. Gilt brass, croissant shaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass threearm balance, flat balance spring. Signed on the dial plate. In very good condition with Photocopies of Swiss patent No. 151, Classe 123, published on 24 January 1889. Diarn. 54 mm.
Notes
Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for clocks,
this watch seems to work without any mechanical
movement. h1 fact, driven by the croissant shaped movement
concealed above the dial on the border, the hands are
revolving with the glass plate, set beneath the dial.
Patented by Armand Schwob & Frere Paris on the
24 January 1889, such watches were very popular towards
the end of the 19th century, quite a few were produced in
silver cases, but most are now in poor condition the glass
dials being often broken.