Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 18, 1998

LOT 42

Julien Le Roy No. 3241, circa 1755. Fine and rare 18K gold, quarter dumb repeating watch.

CHF 10,000 - 12,000

C. Double body, Louis XV, chased with rocaille decoration the back set with a plaque of coloured glass. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minutes ring. Gold Louis XV hands. The gilt-brass dial plate engraved: fnven.it /my Julien. Le Roy en 1740 el le roaage en 1755. M. 1-Iinged gilt-brass full plate with conical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement with adjustable potence for the crown wheel, plain steel three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt-brass Louis XV cock pierced and engraved with fleurettes, polished-steel end-piece. Repeating on the edge of the case by depressing the penclant. Signed on the dial, the back plate and the gilt-brass dial plate. Diam. 48 inn).


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 1

As new
Movement: *4

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 26-24-51

Upgraded

Slightly chipped

Partially reprinted

Notes

The inscription dated 1740 and 1755 on the dial plate refers for the first date, to a new arrangement devised by Julien Lc Roy, allowing the enlargement of the area for the repeating work. This invention, called " a bate levee", was soon adopted by all his fellow watchmakers. The second date, 1755, refers to the repeating train controlled by a small anchor escapement.