Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Mar 11, 2012

LOT 368

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 - 15,000

USD 11,000 - 16,000 / EUR 8,500 - 12,000

C. Three-body, "Empire", polished band, glazed on one side, swivel loop. D. White enamel on the front with day of the week (in grey) and date indications. Blued steel hands. Back with gold plate, moon phase aperture, fi nely enameled moon disc with gold paillon stars, 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. 24 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

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.