Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces
New York, Apr 25, 2012
LOT 25
GUBELIN WORLD TIME DESK CLOCK Gubelin, Swiss, No. 3139. Made in the 1960s. Unusual, fine and heavy hinged world-time desk clock.
USD 4,000 - 6,000
EUR 3,000 - 4,500
C. Circular, polished brass circular dial mounted on a stepped base by two pilars, unidirectional bezel with 27 world locations. D. Inner satin silver with applied baton indexes, outer lower dial with black/white 24 hour second time-zone indicator. Gilt baton hands. M. Gilt brass, 15 jewels, monometallic balance. Dial and movement signed. Diam. 19 x 16 x 6 cm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 2 |
Very good |
Movement: 2* |
Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 2-01 |
Very good HANDS Original |
Notes
The modern World Time system was invented in the early
1930s by Louis Cottier (1894-1966), the famous independent
watchmaker in Geneva. Considered by many to be the most
practical and important inventions of modern horology, his
World Time patents were used by Agassiz and other major
manufacturers in the Swiss watch industry, including Patek
Philippe, Rolex and Vacheron & Constantin. Many unusual
clocks were also designed with the World Time complication,
including the present brass hinged example by Gubelin and
the following clock by Cartier.