Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Noga Hilton, Geneva, Jun 14, 2003

LOT 222

H. R. Ekegrén, Geneva, No. 78156, made by E. Koehn, for J. E. Caldwell & Co. Philadelphia, circa 1910. Very fine and rare 18K gold keyless double-train trip minute-repeating watch.

CHF 11,500 - 13,500

EUR 7,700 - 9,000 / USD 9,000 - 10,500

Sold: CHF 18,400

C. Four body, "bassine", polished, gold hinged cuvette with engine-turned border. D. White enamel with Breguet numerals, outer minute ring and sunk subsidiary seconds. Gold Breguet hands. M. 38 mm. (17'''), nickel-plated, double-train with differential winding, 35 jewels, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with Breguet balance spring, repeating on gongs with independent train released by depressing the button on winding crown.Signed on the dial, case and movement.Diam. 48 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

Notes

Double-train trip repeaters became popular around 1900, especially in America. ot many were made due to their complication, and consequently their cost. Patek Philippe made a few for Tiffany, Ekegrén produced a few for Caldwell. Henri-Robert Ekegrén 1823-1896. Was the son of Daniel Ekegrén, of Swedish origin. Henri-Robert became skillful in watchmaking and engraving at an early age. After his apprenticeship he obtained a fellowship to travel to other watchmaking countries. At one point he worked for his fellow countryman, Jules Jürgensen, at Le Locle. In London, he worked for a well-known firm. In Paris, he worked for the celebrated Winnerl and became friendly with Adolph Lange. In 1847 he arrived in Geneva, where he worked with Henri Golay, an expert watch finisher, then with Golay-Leresche. In 1857 he formed a partnership with Ferdinand Westermann. Mr. Ekegrén took as his assistant the young Louis Chevalier, who was to remain with him for thirty-seven years. At the 1867 Exhibition he won a gold medal. Subsequent exhibitions - Vienna in 1873, Paris in 1875, Philadelphia in 1876, Paris in 1878, and Zurich in 1883 - brought him further honors and recognition. He constant y worked to improve each detail and to make a product of the highest merit. His watches are held in high esteem in Europe and America even to the present day.