Important Watches, Pocket Watches and...

Noga Hilton Hotel, Nov 13, 2005

LOT 221

?The Mystérieuse? A.S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Frères, La Chaux-de-Fonds), Swiss, retailed by J. Ullmann, Chaux-de-Fonds, Hong Kong & Shanghai. Made for the Chinese market circa 1890. Fine and very rare 17K gold keyless mystery pocket watch.

CHF 5,000 - 7,000

EUR 3,200 - 4,500 / USD 4,000 - 5,500

C. Three-body, "bassine et filets", polished, glazed on both sides. D. Eccentric glass with painted radial Roman numerals and outer minute track, engine-turned dial plates. Black "spade" hands. M. Gilt brass, crescent-shaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, index regulator. Signed on the dial plates by the maker and retailer. Diam. 54 mm.


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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

Notes

Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for clocks, this watch appears to work without any mechanical movement. It is, in fact, driven by the crescent-shaped movement concealed above the dial in the border, the hands revolving along with the glass plate set beneath the dial. Patented by Armand Schwob & Frères in Paris on 24 January 1889, such watches were very popular towards the end of the 19th century.