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Hotel Nogalhilton Geneve, Nov 11, 2001

LOT 136

Precision Timekeeper with 6 ComplicationsCharles Oudin, Horloger de la Marine Imperiale, 51 Palais Royal, Paris, circaVery fine and rare dead center-seconds, astronomical, 1 month-going mantle regulator with a 24-hour dial, model of earth and the moon, triple annual calendar, and Desfontaines escapement, striking the hours and half hours.

CHF 50,000 - 60,000

USD 31,000 - 37,000

Sold: CHF 55,200

C. Humpback, gilt brass glazed on three sides, arched top, glazed hinged door on the back and on the front.D. Top of the clock with white enamel time dial with radial Roman numerals, outer minute/seconds divisions with 10-minute Arabic markers, sunken white enamel center on which the escapement is set, two winding apertures. Blued steel Breguet hands. Below, two auxiliary dials for days of the week and date separated by applied "sun" plaque, below enameled annular sectors with months and signs of the Zodiac, with equation numbers in minutes corresponding to a given date, below enameled model of the nrthern hemisphere with the moon rotating around it, all set against a blue enamel sky with white enamel stars, Roman numeral scale of 24 hours with indications of day and night, all set against a finely engraved gilt plate. M. Rectangular, brass, with domed top, Desfontaines escapement, brass-steel compound compensation pendulum signed on the bob "A.B.D." in an ellipse, micrometric beat adjustment on the crutch, five-wheel train, calendar and astronomical indications driven from the striking tran by a spring-loaded lever, striking on a bell.Signed on the movement.Dim. Height 42 cm, width 30 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 6
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

Charles OudinA pupil of Breguet and one of his best foremen, he adapted the equation of time to fit "Montres de souscription". He established his own business in the Palais Royal, Galerie de Pierre, from circa 1804 to 1825, and was succeeded by his son who transfered the firm to Galerie Montpensier from 1830-1840 and subsequently took Detouche into partnership. A. Charpentier was successor to Oudin Fils, signing: "Charles Oudin à Paris, Horloger de L.L. M.M., l'Empereur et l'Impératrice de Russie". To accomany his display at the 1862 London Exhibition, the Oudin-Charpentier firm produced a book entitled "Catalogue of Chief Exhibits by Oudin-Charpentier, principal clockmakers to their Majesties The Queen and King of Spain and to the Imperial Navy".