Important Collectors Watches, Pocket ...

Geneva, Mar 29, 2009

LOT 259

Charles Auguste Louis Joseph de Morny Winnerl, No. 414. Made circa 1850, possibly for the Duc de Morny (1811-1865). Fine and rare two-day marine deck chronometer with 49-hour power reserve indicator. In a fine ebony and brass inlaid fitted deck box with key concealed in the base.

CHF 11,000 - 16,000

USD 9,500 - 14,000 / EUR 7,500 - 11,000

Sold: CHF 16,800

C. Plain brass box-type bowl with glazed bezel secured by two screws, the three-tier ebony deck box with very fine brass inlay of oak boughs and leaves, central coat of arms and the motto ?Tace Sed Memento?, the interior of the second tier similarly inlaid with flower sprays. D. White enamel, secured by a single screw, radial Roman hour numerals, outer minute track, large Arabic seconds on subsidiary dial at 12 o'clock, 49-hour power-reserve sector at 6 o'clock. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 63 mm., brass full plate, spotted decoration, turned pillars, secured by screws, reversed fusee and chain, maintaining power, Earnshaw spring-detent escapement, jewelled locking stone, cut bimetallic compensation balance with two cylindrical weights and four adjustment screws, blued-steel free sprung helical balance spring with inner and outer terminal curves, diamond endstone. Dial signed. Bowl diam. 78 mm, box 128 x 107 x 60 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image

Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Charles Auguste Louis Joseph Demorny/de Morny 1st Duc de Morny (1811 - 1865) Was a French statesman, and the natural son of Hortense de Beauharnais (wife of Louis Bonaparte, and queen of Holland) and Charles Joseph, comte de Flahaut. He was therefore half-brother of Emperor Napoleon III, son of Hortense de Beauharnais.
The motto under the coat of arms on the deck box ?Tace Sed Memento? is the motto of Charles Auguste Louis Joseph Demorny/ de Morny, 1st Duc de Morny, 1811-1865. However, the coronet is that of a Vicomte and we have been unable to identify the crest definitively. A further interesting connection is that it is known that the Duc was particularly fond of fine marquetry. A marquetry table formerly in his possession is now in the Musée Nissim de Camondo, Paris.