Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

New York, Jun 18, 2008

LOT 259

Patent Lever Jules Jürgensen, Copenhagen, No. 14311. Made in Switzerland in 1894. Very fine and rare, hunting-cased, keyless, 18K pink gold pocket watch with long lever and Jürgensen's patented winding and hand-setting mechanism. Accompanied by the original fitted box, certificate and spare parts.

USD 4,000 - 6,000

EUR 2,600 - 4,000

Sold: USD 5,040

C. Four-body, bassine et filets, solid, polished, back cover engraved inside with dedication, hinged glazed gold cuvette to view movement. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, sunk subsidiary seconds dial. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Cal. 20???, maillechort, bridge caliber, 17 jewels including 5 in screw-mounted gold chatons, straight line long lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold screws, blued steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator with main divisions set on the center bridge. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 2-10

Very good

Patinated

Movement: 2-6*

Very good

Slightly oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Jürgensen?s patent lever escapement features a long pallet fork, which allows for a larger balance wheel, resulting in a more constant rate of oscillation and consequently, greater precision.
Jules Frédéric Jürgensen (1808-1877) The son of Urban Jürgensen, Jules was born in Le Locle, but moved with his parents to Denmark as a child. In 1830, after his father?s death, the company was taken over by Jules and his brother Louis Urban. In 1833, Jules returned to Le Locle and built up a great business, which was continued by his brother and in 1886 was sold to one of the employees, H. Kiens. Jürgensen was considered to be one of the best watchmakers working in Switzerland. He stamped most of his watches on the pillar plate under the dial: Jules Jürgensen of Copenhagen.