Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 254
Milus
Ref. TIRM600, minute-repeater, triple sectorial retrograde seconds, date; “Tirion Répétition Minutes Tri3Retrograde”; limited edition of 50 examples;
18K pink gold
Ref. TIRM600, minute-repeater, triple sectorial retrograde seconds, date; “Tirion Répétition Minutes Tri3Retrograde”; limited edition of 50 examples;
18K pink gold
EUR 26,000 - 45,000
USD 30,900 - 54,000 / HKD 240,000 - 416,000
18K pink gold, manual-winding, round-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with sapphire-crystal case-back screwed by six screws, silver colour guilloché (engine-turned) ring dial with radial applied blued steel Arabic numerals, with triple subsidiary retrograde (fly-back) seconds on three sectors at 6, 2:30 and 9:30 (each on a red gold one-third circle graduation bridge), and two horological complications:
• Minute-repeater à poussoir by two hammers on two gongs (activated by the rectangular push-piece located on the case-band at 9 o’clock)
• Half-instantaneous date of the month (inner graduation with central index)
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 1 |
As new |
Movement: 1* |
As new Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 1-01 |
As new HANDS Original |
Brand Milus, Bienne / Biel
Model “Tirion Répétition Minutes Tri3Retrograde”; limited edition of 50 examples, No. 38 / 50
Reference TIRM600
Year circa 2015
Movement No. M08-35RM, adjusted to six positions, COSC certification, 90-hour power-reserve
Bracelet brown leather Milus strap; 18K pink gold Milus buckle
Diameter 45.5 mm. (bezel)
Caliber ML 100 (based on M08-35RM by La Fabrique du Temps, Geneva 16’’’ 1/2), adjusted 5 positions
Dimensions 54.7 x 46.2 mm
Signature dial, case and movement
Accessories original fitted box and outer box, certificate of origin, instruction booklet, gilded metal and wood setting-pin
Notes
The original Certificate mentioned that this watch was sold by Milus International S.A., Bienne / Biel, on December 15, 2016.
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Milus, “Tirion TriRetrograde Minute-Repeater”, Ref. TIRM600
The reference TIRM600 was produced, around 2015-2016, in a limited edition of 50 examples.
On this watch, there is a very unusual system for reading the seconds. This consists of three retrograde seconds hands, positioned at 2, 6 and 10 o’clock. It can be seen that when one of the hands has completed its 20-second journey, it instantly returns to its initial position, while the next hand starts its course.
This mechanism is mounted on the M08-35RM calibre (C.O.S.C. certified), exclusively manufactured for Milus by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton (LVMH Group), Meyrin, near Geneva, directed by Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas, two of the world’s leading specialists in horological complications.
The escapement is made of silicon (lever and escapement wheel), a material resulting from a technology recently applied in the field of watchmaking, thus making it possible to improve the watch’s running precision.
The minute-repeater movement is made up of 417 components, entirely assembled by hand; each part having previously been decorated by hand.
When the minute-repeater mechanism is activated, the two stainless steel hammers of the striking mechanism produce a low-pitched sound for the hours, a double high-pitched and low-pitched sound for the quarter hours and a high-pitched sound for the minutes. This is achieved by means of the two gongs wrapped around the movement which the hammers vibrate. To achieve a pure sound, these gongs must not touch each other when vibrating. They are made of a special steel alloy and connected by the same base. The main challenge for the master watchmakers is to adjust the gongs (length, fixing, fitting) in order to obtain the desired sounds, namely “A” and “C-sharp”.
To improve the precision and purity of the sound, the minute rake, with its unique arched shape, has been turned over and enlarged. The harmonious major third thus sounds in its unchanged fullness of tone. As each watch is handmade, these pieces are subject to minor variations, making each one unique.
Instead of the classic bolt for activating the minute-repeater mechanism, this watch has a large push-button on the case-band at 9 o’clock, on which a musical key is engraved. The driving-wheel, which adjusts the tempo of the hammer beats and ensures a perfect rhythm, can be seen through the sapphire-crystal of the case-back, whose case is made of pink gold.
Note also that the date of the month is indicated by a hand that is equilibrated and has a counterweight in the shape of the Milus logo.
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*a 20% import VAT is due on the hammer price with buyer's premium, plus 150€ for termination of temporary export, at buyer's expense, only if it is delivered within the EU