Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

Hong Kong, Jul 10, 2005

LOT 192

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.

HKD 140,000 - 180,000

EUR 14,000 - 18,000 / USD 18,000 - 23,000

Sold: HKD 172,500

C. Four-body, ?bassine et filets?, engine-turned back, goldhinged cuvette engraved with foliage, small pin to the left of thependant for the quick date change. D. White enamel, radialRoman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions with fiveminute/seconds red Arabic markers, three subsidiary sunk dialsfor days of the week, date concentric with the four year leapcycle, months, and phases of the moon aperture. Gold ?spade?hands. M. 43 mm (19???), frosted gilt, half-plate, the trainarranged so that the fourth wheel is located in the center,straight line calibrated lever escapement, cut-bimetalliccompensation balance, blued steel helical balance spring withterminal curves, perpetual calendar with the date set at the topfor 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. The present lot was sold on November 2004 by Antiquorum Geneva lot 283.