Collector's Pocket Watches, Wristwatc...
New York, Grand Havana Room, Dec 06, 2000
LOT 164
A.S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Frères, la Chaux-de-Fonds), Swiss, Mystèrieuse, Breveté S.G.D.G., circa 1890.Fine and rare, silver, early, keyless mysterious watch.
USD 1,600 - 2,000
C. three body, 'bassine et filets', polished, glazed on the back. D. eccentric glass with Roman numerals and outer minute ring, 'Spade' gold hands. Silver dial mask with foliage decoration M. gilt brass, croissant shaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring.Dial plate signed.Diam. 54 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 4 |
Fair |
Dial: 2 |
Very good |
Notes
Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for clocks, this watch seems to work without any mechanical movement. In fact, driven by the croissant shaped movement concealed above the dial on the border, the hands are revolving with the glass plate, set beneath the dial.Patented by Armand Schwob & Frère à Paris on January 24, 1889, such watches were very popular towards the end of the 19th century.