Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Oct 04, 2009

LOT 112

Tavernier Calendar & Moon Phase Key Et(ienne) Tavernier, Paris. Made circa 1800. Fine and very rare, 18K gold, mechanical calendar key with moon phase and lunar calendar.

CHF 10,000 - 20,000

USD 9,500 - 19,000 / EUR 6,500 - 13,000

C. Three-body, "Empire", polished band, glazed on one side, swivel loop. D. White enamel on the front with day of the week (in blue) and date indications (in red). Blued steel hands. Back with gold plate, moon phase aperture, blued steel and gold moon disc, age of the moon engraved on the border. M. All the functions advance by depressing a small lever protruding from the band each time the key is inserted in the winding square. Dial signed. Diam. 22 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-19

Good

Dent(s)
Movement: 3

Good
Dial: 3-28-07

Good

Replacements

HANDS Replaced

Notes

Etienne Tavernier Invented this type of watch key while working in the rue de Bussy in Paris (1772-1804). A reproduction of the original instructions supplied by Tavernier for such astronomical keys is published by Mathieu Planchon in "Musée rétrospectif de la Classe 96, Horlogerie à l'Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 à Paris", p. 141, pl. CXVIII bis.