Exceptional horologic works of art
Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Oct 11, 2003
LOT 107
Joseph Feune a Delémont, Swiss, circa 1810. Important and rare silver watch with special escapement.
CHF 6,000 - 8,000
EUR 3,900 - 8,000
C. Three-body, engine-turned back, reeded band. D. White enamel, Breguet numerals, outer minute divisions, winding aperture at 2 o'clock. Brass “sun-ray” hands. M. 49.6 mm (22'''), frosted gilt, full skeletonized plate, fixed barrel, experimental lever/pin-wheel escapement, three-arm brass balance, short four-coil blued steel balance spring.Signed on the movement, case punched.Diam. 56 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 3 - 14 |
|
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3 - 14 - 19 - 05 |
Notes
The watch employs a very unusual lever escapement with the lift on the pallets and a pinned escape wheel. In 1805 Antoine Tavan of Geneva presented his famous series of lever escapements with pin-wheel escape wheels. Feune's escapement is substantially different the lift on the lever is achieved by a semi-circular disc with flat rest top, the safety action is facilitated by an additional long lever fixed to the arbor. The action gives good impulse in both directions and the construction is very simple.Joseph Feune was born on May 5, 1779 in Delémont. His father, Jean-Baptiste Feune, was a watchmaker. Joseph had one brother named Vernier, who also became a watchmaker. In 1807 the family is recorded as living at No. 155 in Delémont. On September 29, 1813 he married Marie-Renée Fleury.