Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 18, 1998

LOT 432

French, circa 1820. Fine and highly unusual ormolu miniature, eight day going, hour and half hour striking Empire mantel regulator with centre-seconds and special escapement.

CHF 8,000 - 10,000

Sold: CHF 8,625

C. Architectural on bun feet wit acanthus-cast moulding to the rectangular plinth, the four columns supporting the stepped top. Gilt-bronze bezel with foliate decoration. D. White enamel with Roman numerals. Blued-steel Breguet hands. M. Brass circular with cylindrical pillars, going barrels for both the going and the striking trains, unusual pin-wheel escapement exhibited on the back plate, short pendulum with spring suspension, the brass bob fitted on the back with a short small subsidiary pendulum. Striking on a bell with count wheel on the back plate. Dim. 22,5 x 12,5 x 8,5 cm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: *2

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 22-51

Later original

Partially reprinted

Notes

Several miniature clocks were produced in France between 1780 and 1820. They were generally fitted with verge watch movements although few were made with miniature striking movements. This clock is a very unusual attempt to built a half scale mantel regulator; the shape of the anchor had to be specially designed for such a small pin-wheel escapement.