100 Years of Wristwatches
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 19, 2000
LOT 26
International Watch Co., Schaffhausen, No. 885168. Produced in the 1920's.Very fine large 14K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch.
CHF 3,000 - 4,000
USD 1,700 - 2,400
Sold: CHF 5,290
C. three-body, solid, polished, hinged case back, mobile wire lugs. D. solid silver with painted Arabic numerals,auxiliary seconds dial on the 9. 'Louis XVI' pink gold hands. M. Cal. 16 3/4''' gilt brass, 18 jewels, leverescapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance spring, micrometer regulator.Dial, case, and movement signed.Diam. 40 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 4 - 5* |
|
Dial: 4 - 6 - 01 |
Notes
The Harwood System.John Harwood (1893-1965) and Harley Cutts applied for a patent in Switzerland on 16 October 1923, for an automaticwinding system. This patent was granted on 1 September 1924, under the number 106.583. In 1926 Harwood wentinto partnership with A. Schild, who developed the first Harwood automatic watch system, with Fortis AG presentingthe new device at the Basel Clock Fair. The invention is characterized by a case with no opening on the band or time-settingby the bezel, to make the case as impermeable as possible to water and dust, and an oscillating weight verystably located in the center of the plate. Nevertheless, the unidirectional too-vigorous movements of the swingingweight make it contact buffers on both ends, rather than spring butoirs. Each oscillation creates a shock which maydamage the movement. The Harwood self-winding wristwatch was the first to be produced in a series.Harwood, No. 2943. Produced in the 1920 's.