Antiquorum in Love, Impotant Horology...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Nov 16, 1997

LOT 2

Unsigned, Swiss, circa 1800. "Adam et Eve" Very fine and rare, large 18K gold astronomical double face, "Adam and Eve" watch with visible balance.

CHF 40,000 - 50,000

USD 27,000 - 33,000

Sold: CHF 79,350

C. Double body Directoire, polished with glazed back. D. Front white enamel eccentric with Breguet numerals, balance aperture above, small subsidiary dials for the dates and clays of the week. Gold Breguet hands. White enamel on the rear face, centred with a painted representation of Adam and Eve framed by the revolving automaton serpent; subsidiary dials for length of the day, phases and age of the moon, sunset time, months of the year with indication of their number of clays, length of the night, the signs of the Zodiac, and sunrise time. Gold hands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring with regulator. Diam. 59 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4

Fair
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 22-51

Later original

Partially reprinted

Notes

This watch is not only exceptional by its size and the number of astronomical indications but also by the unusual central representation of Adam and Eve. As opposed to most of this type of watches, where the figures of Adam and Eve are painted above the balance and the automaton serpent is mounted on the escape wheel, the serpent is driven here by the escape wheel pinion.