Only Online Auction

Geneva, Jan 03, 2022

LOT 406

Unsigned
Chronograph, patented “single” split-seconds with one hand, minute counter, calibre Valjoux 84 so-called “mono-rattrapante”; chromium-plated metal and white metal

CHF 3,000 - 6,000

EUR 2,900 - 5,800 / USD 3,300 - 6,500 / HKD 25,300 - 51,000

Chromium-plated metal, manual-winding, round-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, white metal snap-on glazed case-back (later), silver colour dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 and three horological complications:
· 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the single olive-shaped push-piece located on the case-band at 2 o’clock) with tachometric scale graduated for 1 000 metres and telemetric scale graduated for a kilometre
· “Mono-rattrapante”, a kind of patented “single” split-seconds acting on the unique chronograph-hand (activated by the olive-shaped push-piece located on the case-band at 4 o’clock)
· Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3-8*

Good

Slightly scratched

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01-04

Good

HANDS Original

HANDS Later

Brand Unsigned, Switzerland

Model “mono-rattrapante”-type

Year circa 1940

Movement No. unnumbered

Case No. unnumbered

Material chromium-plated metal and white metal

Bracelet brown leather strap

Buckle stainless steel buckle

Diameter 36.7 mm.

Caliber 14’’’, patented device (based on Valjoux 84 ebauche by Raymond Frères, Les Bioux, Vallée de Joux)

Accessories copy of the invention patent

Notes

Movement based on the Swiss invention patent No. 185 465, delivered on July 31, 1936 (application filed on July 30, 1935), to Charles Jeanneret-Bovet, Fleurier (Val-de-Travers), for a “Chronographe”.

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Although this watch is not signed, it was probably produced by the Bovet Frères & Co. S.A., Fleurier (Val-de-Travers). It is difficult to say whether the movement was originally fitted with the present chromium-plated metal case. In any case, the glazed case-back, in white metal, seems to us later.

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Bovet, “Mono-Rattrapante”, patented “single” split-seconds with one hand
It was in 1935 that Bovet Frères & Co. created and patented a “mono-rattrapante” chronograph system that acted similarly to a split-seconds mechanism. This chronograph movement with a single hand is elaborated by Bovet on the Valjoux 14’’’ calibre 84.
This particular wristwatch features the three normal functions of any single-button chronograph, activated through the push-piece at 2, enabling the chronograph hand to: “start” / “stop” / “return to zero”.
In addition, there are two further functions activated through the push-piece at 4:
1) By depressing the push-piece, the single chronograph hand stops.
2) By releasing the push-piece, within a maximum time of 60 seconds, the hand jumps forward, catching-up the seconds elapsed in the meantime.
Two versions of this wristwatch exist:
· The first, features a round, flat push-piece at 2 and an olive-shaped push-piece at 4.
· The second version has either a square or a round waterproof push-piece at 2 and at 4.
Bibliography
· Lang, Gerd-R., & Meis, Reinhard, Chronograph Wristwatches, To Stop time, Atglen, PA, 1993, Editions Schiffer Publishing Ltd., pp. 21, 50-51, 180-181 (ill. 337-338) and 238.

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.