Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, Nov 11, 2012

LOT 429

TAVANNES - GOLD BOOK-FORM WATCH CONTAINING MINIATURE KORAN Tavanne?s Watch, Swiss, the movement by Cyma, case No. 0668300. Made circa 1920. Fine, unusual and very rare, 18K gold form watch in the shape of a book containing a miniature copy of the Koran.

CHF 5,000 - 7,000

USD 5,300 - 7,500 / EUR 4,200 - 6,000

C. Three-body, the hinged back engraved with foliate and scroll decoration, when opened, a miniature Koran inside a compartment is revealed, with inclined hinged bezel and suspension loop at the top for use as a pendant. D. Matte silvered with painted Arabic numerals, inner rectangular minute track. M. Cal. 067C, rectangular, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued-steel Breguet balance spring, index regulator. Dial signed Tavannes Watch, movement signed Cyma. Dim. 22 x 30 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

The Tavannes watch with miniature copy of the Koran is extremely rare and highly prized. Another almost identical example (No. 0678300) was sold by Antiquorum, Geneva, October 15, 2000, lot 259 for 130,000 Swiss Francs