Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 12, 1997
LOT 221
A. S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Freres, La Chaux-de-Fonds), Swiss, Mysterieuse, Brevete S.G.D.G., circa 1890. Extremely rare and fine 18K. gold, early, keyless mystery watch.
CHF 9,000 - 11,000
C. Three body, "bassine et filets", polished, glazed on both faces. D. Eccentric glass with Arabic numerals and outer black chapter minute ring with gilt Arabic numerals. Polished steel "spade" hands. Engineturned dial plate with foliage decoration. M. Gilt brass, croissant shaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring. Signed on the dial plate.In very good condition. Diam. 54 mm.
Notes
Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for clocks, this
watch seems to work without any mechanical movement. In fact,
driven by the croissant shaped movement concealed above the dial
on the border, the hands are revol ving with the glass plate, set
beneath the dial.
Patented by Armand Schwob & Frere a Paris on 24 January 1889,
such watches were very popular towards the end of the 19th century;
quite a few were p
roduced in silver cases, but most are now in poor
condition, the glass dials being often brocken. It is extremely rare to
find these watches with gold cases and it seems that no more than
10 examples were produced.
Photocopies of Swiss patent No. 151, Classe 123, published on
24January 1889 will be provided.