Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 10, 1994
LOT 8
Mystérieuse, Swiss, Breveté S.G.D.G., circa 1890. Rare and fine silver, early keyless mysterious watch.
CHF 2,500 - 3,000
Sold: CHF 3,795
C. Three body, "bassine et filets", polished, glazed on both faces. D. Eccentric glass with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Gilt brass "spade" hands. 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 & Frères à Paris on the 24 January 1889, such watches were very popular
toward the end of the 19th century, quite a few were produced, but most are now in poor condition, for the
glass dials are often brocken.