Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

New York, Omni Berkshire Place Hotel, Jun 20, 1998

LOT 459

Lepine a Paris, Invenit et Fecit, No. 786, circa 1780. Fine and very rare 18K gold double face watch with double calendar.

USD 4,000 - 4,500

Sold: USD 4,370

C. Double body, Louis XVI, the bezels chased in a twisted rope pattern, the back engine-turned and centred with the glazed calendar aperture. Diamond set thumb piece. D. White enamel on the face with radial Arabic numerals and outer Arabic minute ring with red divisions. Gold Louis XV hands. Small white enamel on the rear face with red Arabic calendar ring and outer days of the week with symbols of their planets. Blued steel hands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, going barrel, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring with regulator. Signed on the back plate. Diam. 42 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 23-54

Later

Service dial

Notes

This double face watch which appears to be unique in the work of Lepine, is not recorded in A. Chapiro: Jean Antoine Lepine, Horloger (1720-1814). Lepine was the first maker in France to use Arabic numerals for the hours, in place of the traditional Roman chapters. This watch is also a good example of this new style of dials.