Important Watches, Collectors’ Wristw...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Nov 14, 2004

LOT 283

H. GrandJean et Cie., Locle, London, No. 549, circa 1870. Very fine and important, 18K gold, keyless, center seconds astronomical, pocket watch with perpetual calendar phases of the moon and chronometer balance with helical balance spring, and very early quick-date setting.

CHF 22,000 - 28,000

EUR 14,000 - 18,000 / USD 17,000 - 22,000

Sold: CHF 14,950

C. Four-body, ?bassine et filets?, engine-turned back, gold hinged cuvette engraved with foliage, small pin to the left of the pendant for the quick date change. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions with five-minute/seconds red Arabic markers, three subsidiary sunk dials for days of the week, date concentric with the four year leap cycle, months, and phases of the moon aperture. Gold ?spade? hands. M. 43 mm (19'''), frosted gilt, half-plate, the train arranged so that the fourth wheel is located in the center, straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetalliccompensation balance, blued steel helical balance spring with terminal curves, perpetual calendar with the date set at the top for the quick change. Signed on dial, case and movement.Diam. 53 mm


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 3*

Good

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

Notes

The watch is the earliest calendar watch with quick date set known to us. The idea, as seen in modern wristwatches, was developed and patented in the 1950s. It is remarkable that eighty years previously, Henri GrandJean saw the need for such a device, invented it, and implemented in this watch.