Only Online Auction

Geneva, Apr 07, 2021

LOT 234

Unsigned
2-day going philosophical desk-clock; “The Persistence of Memory”; plaster and cardboard

CHF 1,000 - 1,500

EUR 950 - 1,400 / USD 1,100 - 1,650 / HKD 8,400 - 12,600

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: CHF 1,000

Moulded, black and silver painted plaster, keyless-winding, 2-day going, desk-clock in the shape of a book on which slides a softened watch; cardboard dial with radial Roman numerals (the mention “Déposé” means registered).


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Grading System
Grade: A

Good

Case: 3-6

Good

Slightly oxidized

Movement: 3-6*

Good

Slightly oxidized

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Brand Unsigned, probably France

Model “The Persistence of Memory”

Year circa 1950-1960

Movement No. unnumbered

Case No. unnumbered

Material plaster and cardboard

Caliber brass, lateral lever escapement

Height 55 mm.

Width 132 mm.

Thickness 150 mm.

Weight 400 gr. (approx.)

Notes

This clock is based on “The Persistence of Memory”, a major work by Salvatore Dali (Figueras, May 11, 1904 – Figueras, January 23, 1989), Catalan painter, sculptor, engraver, scriptwriter and writer of Spanish nationality.

This 1931 oil on canvas, an emblem of Surrealism, is now kept at the MoMa, Museum of Modern Art, New York City (U.S.A.). It is widely recognized and frequently referenced in popular culture, and sometimes referred to by more descriptive titles, such as “Melting Clocks”, “The Soft Watches” or “The Melting Watches”.

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.