Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Hanae Mori Building, Dec 15, 1990

LOT 38

Patek Philippe & Co., Genève, No. 39802, case No.39802, Made for H. Muller & Co., Geneva and London, circa 1875. Fine and very rare 18 ct. gold hunting cased "epicyclic" keyless watch.

JPY 700,000 - 900,000

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

Sold: JPY 831,250

C. Four body, massive, "pomme et filet" entirely engraved with elaborate foliate patterns. D. White enamel, Roman chapters, subsidiary seconds. Blued-steel "spade" hands. M. 18"', frosted and gilt, double ratchet epicyclic winding work, 15 jewels, lever escapement "à moustaches", cut bimetallic balance, Breguet spring. Signed case. In excellent condition. Diam. 48mm.


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Notes

This unusual form of keyless work was invented by O. Courvoisier. English patent No.1114 of 1873, and few examples exist. A similar watch but in nielloed silver is illustrated in "Patek Philippe Watches" page 122, fig. 43A and B.