Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 18, 1998

LOT 565

Swiss, circa 1870. Fine 18K gold, keyless/key-wind watch with highly unusual experimental escapement.

CHF 12,000 - 13,000

C. Three body, massive, "bassine et filets", polished with engine-turned back. Gold engine-turned cuvette. D. White enamel with Roman numerals, outer minutes ring and sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued-steel "spade" hands. M. 19"', frosted and gilt with gold wheel train, 13jewels, unusual form of constant force escapement with double gold escape wheel and a sort of pivoted detent, cut bimetallic balance with gold poising and timing screws, flat balance spring with regulator. Diam. 50 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 7-35

Oxidized

To be restored
Movement: *2

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 21-51

Period

Partially reprinted

Notes

This watch is fitted with a highly unusual and apparently unrecorded form of constant force escapement, the impultion provided by a subsidiary spiral spring and fitted with several safety devices.