Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 31, 1998

LOT 131

Julien Le Roy a Paris, No. 2651, circa 1750. Fine and rare early dumb quarter repeating watch a bate levee.

CHF 5,000 - 6,000

Sold: CHF 5,405

C. Double body, Louis XV, polished. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Gold Louis XV hands. Gilt brass dial rim engraved: Invente parJu. Le Roy en 1740. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate, with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, repeating on the edge of the case by depressing the pendant. Signed on the dial and back plate. Diam. 47 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 4-21

Fair

Period

Movement: 4*

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 8-04

Slightly scratched

HANDS Later

Notes

We are irr debt to Julien Le Roy for the two main improvements made in France on repeating watches. First in 1740 he devised a new arrangement allowing the enlargement of the area for the repeating work. This invention, called a bate levee, was soon adopted by all his fellow watchmakers. Most of these watches were dumb repeaters which he was also the first to produce in France. Watch No. 1827 is one of the earliest known of this type, In 1755 he devised a new repeating train regulated by a small anchor escapement which was also soon adopted by the best of French watchmakers. Watch No. 3373 is one of the earliest known of this type Therefore, this watch, whose serial number is 2651 was certainly produced towards 1750.