Geneva, May 12, 2024

LOT 322

VICTOR KULLBERG, ENGLAND, CHRONOMETER, TOURBILLON WITH DUPLEX ESCAPEMENT AND POWER RESERVE, 18K YELLOW GOLD

CHF 25,000 - 45,000

HKD 218,000 - 390,000 / USD 27,700 - 49,800 / EUR 25,500 - 45,900

A very fine and important, 18k yellow gold, manual wind hunting cased pocket chronometer, fusée with chain movement with one minute tourbillon regulator, duplex escapement and 24 hours power reserve indication


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-73-01

Very good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Chipped under bezel,not visible when closed

HANDS Original

Brand Victor Kullberg, England

Model chronometer

Year Circa 1890

Movement No. 2520

Case No. 2520

Diameter 55 mm.

Caliber 19’’’, frosted gilt three-quarter plate movement with reversed chain fusee jewelled to the centre with screwed chatons, duplex escapement, cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws and free-sprung blued steel flat hairspring, polished steel pare-chute.

Signature Dial and movement, case numbered

Notes

Victor Kullberg stood out as one of the most distinguished chronometer makers of his time, supplying chronometers to the British, Norwegian, Swedish, Russian, and American navies. Born in 1824 in Sweden, he began his apprenticeship with a chronometer maker and later worked briefly with Urban Jurgensen in Copenhagen. In 1850, Kullberg moved to London, where he initiated the production of chronometer escapements for leading manufacturers. Establishing his own business in 1856, he swiftly built his reputation with stem-wind pocket chronometers, earning approximately fifteen prizes in competitions across prominent European institutions. In 1874, he received the Order of Wasa as the Chronometer Maker to Norway and Sweden, along with top honors in Europe, America, and Australia. In 1882, the Astronomer Royal proclaimed that one of Kullberg's chronometers, no. 4066, was among the best ever tested at Greenwich. Kullberg's designs, while closely resembling typical English layouts, featured the reversed fusee system to minimize friction and wear, showcasing the highest standard of workmanship.

Upon his death in 1890, his two sons and nephew, Wennerstrom, took over the business. Following the demise of Kullberg's sons, Wennerstrom continued to run the enterprise with his own son. In 1894, Mr. Sanfrid Lundquist from Sweden became a partner. However, the company ceased operations when its premises were destroyed during World War II.