Important Collector's Wristwatches an...
Hong Kong, Hotel Furama Kempinski, Jun 14, 1995
LOT 260
A.S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Frères, la Chaux-de- Fonds), Swiss, Mystérieuse, Breveté S.G.D.G., circa 1890. Extremely rare and fine 18 ct. gold, early, keyless mysterious watch.
HKD 43,000 - 50,000
USD 5,700 - 6,500
C. Three body, "bassine et filets", polished, glazed on both faces. D. Eccentric glass with Arabic numerals and outer black chapter minute ring with gilt Arabic numerals. Polished steel "spade" hands. Engine-turned dial plate with foliage decoration M. Gilt brass, croissant shaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three arm balance, flat balance spring. Signed on the dial plate. In very good condition. Diam. 54 mm.
Notes
Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for
clocks, this watch seems to work without any
mechanical movement. In 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 & Frère à Paris on the
24 January 1889, such watches were very popular
toward 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 brocken.
Extremely rare in gold are in gold case, it seems that
no more than 10 examples were produced.
Photocopies of Swiss patent No. 151, Classe 123,
published on 24 January 1889 will be provided.