The Private Collection of Theodor Beyer

Hotel Baur Au Lac, Zurich, Nov 16, 2003

LOT 80

Bahne Bonniksen, London, No. 19493, with Chester hallmarks for 1894-95. Fine 18K gold, keyless watch with Bonniksen 52 1/2 minute Karrusel regulator.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

EUR 5,200 - 6,500 / USD 6,000 - 7,400

Sold: CHF 13,800

C. Four-body, "bassine et filets", polished, gold hinged cuvette.D. White enamel, probably by Willis, radial Roman numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. 47 mm (21'''), frosted gilt, three-quarter plate, 17 jewels, lateral calibrated lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance with free-sprung Breguet balance spring with terminal curve, diamond endstone.Punched with Bonniksen's mark on the pillar plate.Diam. 56 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This is an early example of Bonniksen's karrusel. He patented his invention at the end of 1892. The difference between tourbillon and karrusel : the tourbillon and the karrusel are in the same category of revolving escapements. Both have the escapement placed on a revolving carriage to average out the poise error. The basic difference between the two is that while in the tourbillon the train is the same as that of a regular watch (except that the fourth wheel is stationary), in a karrusel there is an additional wheel mounted to the carriage on the other side of the plate, and rotating around the 3rd wheel pinion. Consequently, if we remove this additional wheel, the watch will still run.