Important Collectors Wristwatches, P...
Geneva, Nov 16, 2008
LOT 226
Pellaton One-Minute Tourbillon James C. Pellaton, Le Locle, No. 1963, Premier Prix Observatoire de Neuchatel 1933. Exceptionally fine and important, 18K gold, keyless pocket chronometer with one-minute tourbillon regulator adjusted by Jeanmairet, Le Locle and Guillaume balance. Accompanied by the original leather fitted box.
CHF 70,000 - 110,000
USD 65,000 - 100,000 / EUR 45,000 - 70,000
Sold: CHF 120,000
C. Three-body, "demi-bassine", glazed on both sides, band chased and engraved with a continuous laurel leaf pattern, polished bezels. D.White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Black steel Breguet hands.M. 44,8 mm (19 3/4'''), rhodiumplated, Le Locle Technicum caliber with curved center bridge, fausses cotes decoration with narrow stripes, three-arm equidistant Pellaton carriage with lateral Swiss calibrated lever escapement, cut anibal-brass Guillaume balance, blued steel balance spring with Phillips outer terminal curve, index regulator with gold scale plate, the pins with micrometric screw adjustment, jeweled to the center. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 54 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 2 |
Very good |
Movement: 2 |
Very good |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Notes
The watch with tourbillon carriage was an ultimate in precision timekeeping. During the 1920s and 1930s James Casar Pellaton was the most esteemed maker of tourbillon carriages, which he supplied to the most prestigious companies including Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Girard-Perregaux, and Ulysse Nardin.
James Casar Pellaton (d.1954).
One of the most esteemed makers of tourbillons in the 20th century. He learned his craft from his father, also an esteemed tourbillon maker. In terms of design, he followed his father's footsteps, using the same type of ebauches. He became director of the Le Locle Technicum, which in 1943 awarded him the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa.
Literature: This watch is described and illustrated in detail in: "Le Tourbillon", Reinhard Meis, Les Editions de l'amateur, Paris, 1990, pp. 170-71.