Important Watches, Collector's Wristw...
Geneva, Jun 15, 2003
LOT 489
The Mystérieuse A.S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Frères, La Chaux-de-Fonds), Swiss, circa 1890. Rare and fine silver, keyless mystery watch.
CHF 3,000 - 3,500
Sold: CHF 3,000
C. Three-body, "bassine et filets", polished, glazed on both faces. D. Eccentric glass with gilt Arabic numerals and outer black chapter minute ring with gilt Arabic numerals. Silver "spade" hands. Engine-turned dial plate. M. Gilt brass, crescent-shaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring.Signed on the dial plate. Diam. 54 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: A |
Good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Notes
Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for clocks, this watch appears to work without any mechanical movement. It is, in fact, driven by the crescent-shaped movement concealed above the dial on the border, the hands revolving along with the glass plate set beneath the dial.Patented by Armand Schwob & Frère à Paris on 24 January 1889, such watches were very popular towards the end of the 19th century.