Important Collectors Wristwatches Po...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 22, 1995
LOT 157
q 157 Not signed, circa 1793. Fine and rare white marble and ormolu, hour and half-hour striking, eight-day going dock with decimal time.
CHF 10,000 - 15,000
USD 8,500 - 12,000
Sold: CHF 13,800
C. Designed as a "portique" with applied ormolu foliage decoration, the columns with applied Wedgwood panels, a third one below the dial in gilt bronze vine branches, three urns with flowers at the top. D. White enamel with Roman numerals, inner Arabic decimal hour and minute rings. Fine pierced and engraved gilt brass hands. M. Round with going- barrels, anchor escapement, "sunburst" pendulum with silk suspension. Striking on a bell with count- wheel on the back plate. In good condition. Dim. 56 x 34 x 10 cm.
Notes
The decimal divison of time was only obligatory
by law from 24 November 1793 until 7 April 1795,
that is, less than 18 months.
Decimal docks are even rarer than watches and are
remarkable for their fine décor. The dock offered
here is still typical of the purest Louis XVI style.