Only Online Auction
Geneva, Apr 07, 2021
LOT 81
Fabrique de spiraux Nivarox S.A.
“Competition” calibre based on Longines 260; stainless steel and wood
CHF 1,500 - 3,000
EUR 1,400 - 2,800 / USD 1,650 - 3,300 / HKD 12,600 - 25,200
Sold: CHF 2,000
Stainless steel, open-face, manual-winding, round-shaped, deck-watch chronometer movement, with subsidiary seconds at 6, made for the observatory timing contests.
Silver colour dial with large suspended Arabic numerals.
22’’’, based on Longines 260, with oversized barrel, lever escapement, Glucydur screw-balance balance and Nivarox hairspring with terminal curve, adjusted probably by A. Hofer fils, Saint-Imier (frequency: 36 000 A/h).
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-6 |
Good Slightly oxidized |
Movement: 3-6-8* |
Good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-6-8-01 |
Good Slightly oxidized Slightly scratched HANDS Original |
Brand Nivarox, Saint-Imier (Bernese Jura)
Model “Chronomètre”
Year circa 1960-1965
Movement No. 404
Case No. unnumbered
Material stainless steel and wood
Diameter 69.9 mm.
Caliber 22’’’ (based on Longines 260), lever escapement, Glucydur screw-balance balance (high frequency)
Weight 400 gr. (approx.)
Signature dial and movement
Accessories original wood testing case (81.8 x 90.1 x 44.6 mm.)
Notes
Nivarox
One of the most important company in the entire world of Swiss horological industry. Now owned by the Swatch Group, Nivarox makes the vast majority of the parts that make mechanical watch movements function.
Nivarox is also the trade name of the metallic alloy from which its products are manufactured. Its notable property is that its coefficient of elasticity is remarkably constant with temperature. As a trade name, Nivarox is a German acronym for “Nicht variabel oxydfest” (G.) or “Non-Variable Non-Oxidizing”.
The Nivarox alloy is a nickel iron alloy (Fe 54 %, Ni 38 %, Cr 8 %, Ti 1 %, Si 0.2 %, Mn 0.8 %, Be 0.9 %, C <0.1 %) used mainly in the watch industry for hairsprings for balance wheels. When used for critical watch components, the alloy reduces errors due to temperature variation. Hairsprings made of this alloy have a spring constant which does not vary with temperature, allowing the watch’s balance wheel, its timekeeping element, to keep better time.
CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION FOR BUYERS
The purchase price payable by a buyer will be the sum of the final bid price plus the buyer’s premium, together with any applicable sales or compensating use tax. In addition to the hammer price, the buyer’s premium is payable as follows: 25% of the hammer price on each lot.Important notice – Special conditions Please look carefully at all the photos as they are an integral part of the description. Any defect not mentioned in the descriptions but visible on the photos will be considered as described and cannot lead to any claim. The dimensions are given as an indication and may slightly differ from the measures mentioned by the manufacturers especially for contemporary watches. The photos are not retouched. Colors may differ from reality. For timepieces, we guarantee neither the functioning nor the precision of the movement, nor the water-resistance of the case. In addition, please note that movements, parts of mechanisms or cases may be incomplete. The lots are sold “as is”, described to the best of our knowledge and cannot be returned. Once the online bid is placed by the bidder, it cannot be cancelled.