Anonymous, Central Europe, latter half of the 17th. century. Exceptionally rare `tambour' form gilt-metal independent alarm mechanism. | Important Watches, Wristwatches and Clocks | Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, 17th October 1993

Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 17, 1993

LOT 187

Anonymous, Central Europe, latter half of the 17th. century. Exceptionally rare `tambour' form gilt-metal independent alarm mechanism.

CHF 5,000 - 6,000

C. Circular, gilt brass, turned rims, hinged and silvered base plate with three ring-turned feet, and inset with the bell supported by a blued-steel strap. D. Silvered ring, with engraved Arabic hour numerals, quarter and half hour divisions, the centre with an almost hemispherical bowl to hold the watch case, the edge divided with 47 serations to locate the pendant, with hinged release arm and gilt re-set button. M. Circular gilt plates with turned balluster pillars, small fixed spring-barrel driving a large contrate wheel of the going arbor, with crown wheel and verge alarm striking. Blued-steel arc-shaped double-headed hammer (Stop-wheel and fixing brackets probably replaced). Purpose-made 18th. century tooled and gilt fitted leather case. In good condition. Diam. 67mm.

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Notes

The shape of the case immediately calls to mind the alarm mechanisms made in the latter half of the 16th. century to fit onto German tambour clocks. However this example is clearly designed for use with a watch, and the style of numerals and the workmanship is not immediately associable with South Germany. The mechanism operates by placing the watch, with the cover open, into the hemispherical holder, with the time selected for the alarm to sound alongside the set-off pointer (which can be hinged upwards to facilitate placement). When the hour hand arrives at the selected time it will release the alarm train, which can be stopped and re-set by means of the button alongside.