Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...

Noga Hilton, Geneva, Jun 14, 2003

LOT 240

Abraham Louis Morant, Berne, circa 1680. Fine and very rare large silver hour- and half hour-striking pre balance spring, single-hand coach watch.

CHF 10,000 - 15,000

EUR 6,700 - 10,000 / USD 7,700 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 11,500

C. Two-body, "bassine" with deep back, band pierced and engraved with inhabited foliage, two shutters for winding apertures. D. White enamel, large radial Roman numerals, inner half hour circle. Blued steel single "poker" hand. M. 57 mm., hinged, gilt brass, entirely engraved full plate with baluster pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement, brass balance with flat balance spring (converted), single-footed cock, count wheel on the back plate, worm gear mainspring set up with engraved tensioncale.Signed on the movement.Diam. 70 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3 - 15*
Dial: 3 - 13 -32 - 01

Notes

Berne, a reputed watchmaking center from the 17th century, specialized in clocks, mantle clocks, wall clocks, and night clocks. Watches and coach watches such as the present lot were much more rarely made. This watch, like many good watches from the period, was upgraded after the 1675 invention of the balance spring by Huygens. At the same time this improvement was made, the original silver dial was also replaced by an enamel dial in the French "oignon" style, which was easier to read and extremely popular at the time.