Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 15, 1994
LOT 37
Ls. Coulin (Geneva), circa 1795. Fine and rare silver decimal and duo-decimal watch.
CHF 4,000 - 4,500
Sold: CHF 9,775
C. Double body, Directoire with engraved bezel, the back engraved with a rosette. D. White enamel divided in two sectors, the decimal hours on the right with Roman numerals, the duo-decimal on the left with Arabic numerals and outer minute ring. Large gold double ended hour hand and gold minute hand. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain brass three arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece. In good condition. Diam. 52 mm.
Notes
This type of decimal watch with the dial divided in two sectors allowing to read the
decimal hours at one end of the single hour hand, the regular time at the other hand, was
invented by Charles Gilbert Romme, who was in charge at the Convention of the laws
concerning the Republican calendar and the decimal time. It is described for the first
time by Robert Robin in 1793, in his book: Quelques réflexions sur les Montres
décimales, des nombres convenables pour
en construire de bonnes. Les moyens de faire usage des Montres actuelles avec cette
division, en ne changeant presque rien au mouvement: "Planche 3, Fig. 3, on voit une
disposition de cadran, imaginé par le Citoyen Romme, Président du comité d'instruction
publique, pour avoir toujours un objet de comparaison".