Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 13, 2012

LOT 380

MUSICAL QUARTER-REPEATING WATCH Swiss, case No. 8858. Made circa 1820. Very rare and fine, musical and quarter-repeating, silver pocket watch with barillet-type pinned cylinder musical movement.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

USD 7,600 - 10,000 / EUR 5,800 - 7,500

C. Four-body, "Empire", engine-turned back with fl oral engraving, polished band and bezels, bolt for music activation in the band. Hinged gilt-metal cuvette. D. White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track. Black serpentine hands. M. Frosted and gilt, fi xed standing barrels for both trains, jeweled cylinder escapement with plain three-arm brass balance and fl at balance spring, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Cylinder musical train playing on the hour or at will, with 32 tooth comb grouped in pairs. Diam. 62 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-77-01

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Restored soft enamel

HANDS Original

Notes

Lot 380: The movement of this watch is the rare barillet-type with pinned cylinder, a miniature version of the type of movements found in full-size musical boxes. Most makers during the early 19th century used the sur-plateau type movement with a fl at pinned rotating disc as opposed to a cylinder. The cylinder type is more robust and gives a more resonant sound, but requires a thicker case to house it.