Important Watches, Wristwatches, Cloc...

Basel April 21, 1990, Apr 21, 1990

LOT 305

Charles Oudin, Paris, N°3034, circa 1887. Unusual and important gilt bronze moon phase astronomical striking mantel regulator with the equation of ti-me, perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset and the signs of the zodiac.

Gilt bronze case with caryatides on each side, an urn at the top and winged head on the base. White enamel chapter ring with Roman numerals, inner moon phase aperture, subsidiary sectors on each side for sunrise and sunset, enamel dial for the equation of time, the Northern hemisphere, finely painted on the center, outer large sector aperture for the enamel volvelle finely painted with the signs of the zodiac. Four small subsidiary apertures for the dates, the days of the week, the months and the years, the latter being set with a cylinder engraved from 1877 up to 1888. Gilt brass dial plate, finely engraved with scrolls, flowers and astronomical trophies. Double train brass movement with going barrels for both the going and the striking trains. The gravity type escapement is set at the center of the dial, above the signature. Invented by Achille Brocot, this escapement was exhibited for the first time at the 1862 London Exhibition and then in Paris at the 1867 Exposition Universelle. Half second beating zinc and steel compensated pendulum.Typical Brocot patented spring suspension. Independent train for the calendar and the astronomical indications with a going barrel, operated by means of a lever, once every 24 hours, by a small cam set on the winding square of the striking train barrel, subsidiary spring driving the small cylinder engraved with the months. The equation of time, the sunrise and sunset indications are given by means of three offset cams set on the same arbor and revolving once a year. Signed on the dial. In very good condition. Dim. 68 x 40 x 28 cm.