Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 15, 2016

LOT 80

URBAN JÜRGENSEN POCKET THERMOMETER SILVER Urban Jürgensen, Kiöbenhaven (Copenhagen). Made circa 1815. Interesting and rare early silver Réaumur pocket thermometer made to the design of Frederick Houriet. Dial signed.

CHF 4,000 - 6,000

HKD 32,000 - 48,000 / USD 4,200 - 6,300


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

DIAM. 64 mm. This type of pocket thermometer was first made by FRÉDERIC HOURIET followed by URBAN JÜRGENSEN and ABRAHAM LOUIS BREGUET. It was described by Houriet in an advertising leaflet, unfortunately undated. The bimetallic thermometer device is extensively explained and illustrated by Urban Jürgensen in "Principes Généraux de l'Exacte Mesure du Temps par les Horloges", Copenhagen, 1805, pp. 245-253, pl. XIX. An almost identical thermometer signed `Fred Houriet` was sold by ANTIQUORUM, Geneva, October 11th, 2003. This watch is illustrated in The Jurgensen Dynasty by John Knudsen p. 129.