A TRIBUTE TO PRECISION AND COMPLICATE...

Hotel Nogalhilton Geneve, Nov 11, 2001

LOT 46

Precision Timekeeper with 5 ComplicationsUnsigned, Paris, circa 1800, probably Ridel.Very fine and rare dead center-seconds, 8 day-going astronomical, moon phase, triple calendar and zodiac, skeletonized mantle regulator striking hours and half hours.

C. Rectangular white marble base with gilt bronze plaque chiseled with playful cupids, gilt brass plaques on the sides with repeated pattern, four turned gilt brass feet, the top of the base set with four gilt brass feet supporting the movement, sides with gilt brass women representing Ceres, with baskets of flowers on their heads. D. White enamel ring with Breguet hour chapter, outer minute dot divisions, outermost date ring of Breguet numerals within gold paillon frame, innermost days of the wek with corresponding planets, above age and phases of the moon surmounted by a chiseled gilt brass eagle, below a months dial with corresponding Zodiac signs on white enamel ring with blue center, irregular blue enamel frame decorated with gold floral and foliate patterns, two vignettes with two doves in a nest, terminated with two painted on enamel panels, beaded ormolu bezels. Elaborate gilt "harp" hands. M. Brass, circular, full plate with cylindrical columns, going barrels, pin-wheel dead bat escapement with steel-brass gridiron pendulum, "sun" bob, knife-edge suspension, micrometric adjustment on the crutch, striking on a bell, count wheel on the back plate.Signed "A Paris" on an enamel plaque below the months.Dim. Height 49 cm, base width 26 cm.