Important Collectors Wristwatches, P...
Geneva, Oct 04, 2009
LOT 281
The Mystérieuse A.S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Frères, La Chaux-de-Fonds), Swiss. Made circa 1890. Fine and rare, ?Mysterieuse? silver keyless mystery pocket watch.
CHF 3,800 - 4,800
USD 3,600 - 4,500 / EUR 2,500 - 3,200
C. Three-body, "bassine et filets", polished, glazed on both sides. D. Eccentric glass with silver painted radial Roman numerals and outer minute track, engine-turned dial plates decorated with a star pattern. Blued steel spade hands. M. Gilt brass, crescentshaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, index regulator. Signed on the dial plate by the maker. Diam. 54 mm.
| 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
Built on the principle invented by Robert-
Houdin for clocks, this watch appears to
work without any mechanical movement.
It is, in fact, driven by the crescent-shaped
movement concealed above the dial in
the border, the hands revolving along
with the glass plate set beneath the dial.
Patented by Armand Schwob & Frères in
Paris on 24 January 1889, such watches
were very popular towards the end of the
19th century.