Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 18, 1998

LOT 360

Julien Le Roy, No. 2641, with Paris hallmarks for 1752. Fine 18K gold dumb quarter repeating watch, Invente par Julien Le Roy en 1740.

CHF 3,000 - 3,500

C. Double body Louis XV, engine-turned in a basketwork pattern. D. Slightly later custom made white enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minutes ring. Slightly later custom made gold arrow hands. M. Hinged gilt-brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, plain steel three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt-brass Louis XV cock with fleurette decoration, polished-steel endpiece. Repeating on the edge of the case by depressing the pendant. Signed on the back plate, inscription engraved on the gilt-brass dial plate. Diam. 46 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: A

Good
Case: 7

Oxidized
Movement: 2-4

Very good

Fair
Dial: 17-24-54

Slightly spotted

Slightly chipped

Service dial

Notes

The inscription: Invente pay Julien Le Roy en 1740, refers to the invention so called "a bate levee", a new arrangement allowing the enlargement of the area for the repeating work, which was subsequently adopted by all the French makers. The enamel dial and the gold "arrow" hands of the watch were apparently specially made in England sonic 25 or 30 years later, presumably at the request of the owner, in order to meet the fashion of the period.