Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces
Monaco, Jul 21, 2021
LOT 39
Unsigned
Entertaining game of chance; “Monaco-Roulette”; chromium plated
Entertaining game of chance; “Monaco-Roulette”; chromium plated
EUR 500 - 900
USD 600 - 1,100 / HKD 4,700 - 8,300
Chromium plated, French roulette wheel in the shaped of an open-face, keyless-winding, round-shaped, pocket watch. Starting the game by pulling and releasing the dummy winding-crown.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: A |
Good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Unsigned, France
Year circa 1920-1930
Diameter 50.4 mm
Notes
A similar model of “adult toy” is known, under the name of Little “Monte-Carlo”. The movement of this one was made under the Swiss invention patent No. 29 070 of 1903.
The idea was taken up again a little later, in the 1930s and 1940s, by Cartier of Paris and Longines of Saint-Imier, with a pocket watch placed in a ball bearing ring engraved with numbers, allowing to play “à la roulette” on one side, “à la boule” on the other.
Nowadays, watch manufacturers have integrated this game of chance in their wristwatches: Franck Muller, Geneva, with the “Vegas” models (c.2000-2010); Corum, La Chaux-de- Fonds, with the “Bubble Roulette” model (limited edition, 2003); Bell & Ross, with the “Casino” model (limited edition, 2011).
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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
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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