Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces.
Geneva, Nov 12, 2017
LOT 591
THE SPINNER One of the oldest on demand automaton pocket watch ever made. Very important and very early ,multicolored gold back centered with a medaillon with applied flower vase, applied foliate garlands at the edges, bezels en suite,two-train, ivory automaton activated by depressing the pendant, Louis XVI pocket watch with hidden scene whole under glazed.
CHF 25,000 - 35,000
HKD 200,000 - 280,000 / USD 25,000 - 35,000
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: |
|
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-8-01 |
Good Slightly scratched HANDS Original |
Brand Unsigned
Year Circa 1770, Paris
Numbers Case N. 3012
Caliber 14'''
Dimensions 42 mm.
Signature movement and case, numbered under the dial by "JCS / 31".
Notes
This watch is one of the oldest automaton watch on demand ever discovered, dating from 1770-1780. From the end of the XVIIth century, watches with animated scenes start to appear, that are made with a wheel mounted plaque that turns or gives the impression of continuous movement. Created in a wide variety of scenes and settings, these were mostly made in Geneva. Dating from the third quarter of the XVIIIth century, a small group of German pocket watches were produced so called "moving painting". The continuous animated scene made with 2 movements represents the "Announcement" of the Virgin Mary by Gabriel. Three examples are known: - One signed Philiph Happacher in Bavaria (Paris Musee du Louvre) - One unsigned in the Musee d 'horlogerie du Chateau des Monts - One unsigned in the Museo Grassi The only other known example is this particular watch representing a spinner providing from the collection of Adolf Ikle-Steilin and illustrated in the Alfre Chapuis book "Montres et Tabatieres" p. 178-198. This watch is extremely rare and is the only known available example on the market today. Our special thanks to Arnaud Tellier for his knowledge and help researching this item.