Important Wristwatches, Watches & Clocks

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 14, 1990

LOT 92

Agassiz Watch Co, Genève, No 44497. Louis Cottier designer and patentee for the World Time. Circa 1946. Highly important, historical 18 ct. gold keyless world time dress watch with enamelled dial specially made for General Charles de Gaulle.

CHF 50,000 - 70,000

Sold: CHF 126,500

Three piece massive "variée" polished and satiné case, the back centered with a black champlevé outlined enamelled map of the world intersected by a large "V" for vctory., the border engraved: "1939 - General Charles de Gaulle - 1945". Fine painted cloisonné enamelled dial depicting Jeanne d'Arc holding the "Croix de Lorraine", with inset gold bars and points to mark the hours, revolving 24 hour night and day chapter ring and the names of 44 world cities enamelled in black on the outer mat silver ring with Paris in gilt at 12 o'clock. Gold hands in the form of a "Croix de Lorraine". Fine rhodium plated 16- movement, "fausses côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance adjusted for temperatures, Breguet balance spring. Signed on the movement. In very good condition. Diam. 46 mm. This is one of the four watches presented by the


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Notes

This is one of four watches presented by the city of Geneva, one each to the Commanders in Chief of the Allied forces in World War II: Winston Churchill, President Truman, Stalin and General de Gaulle. Each example was enamelled with a world map bisected by the "V" signifying Victory, but with different enamel on the dial centres applicable to the country of each legder. The oroginal hand-painted designs and documents relevant to the construction of these unique presentation pieces are haused in the archives of the Musée d'Horlogerie in Geneva. Louis Cottier counted amongst the most talented of watchmakers working in Geneva this century. He was the inventor of several complications applied to both pocket and wristwatches. He is perhaps best known for his World Time watches which he produced for Patek Philippe, Agassiz and Rolex amongst others.