Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 21, 1995

LOT 162

Not signed, English, made by Sigismund Rentzsch, circa 1820. Extremely rare and unusual 18 ct. gold, quarter repeating, keyless hand setting watch with special winding and special repeating device.

CHF 12,000 - 15,000

C. Three piece, massive, forme collier, with, reeded band, revolving bezel and engine-turned back. D. Gold, fully engraved with scrolls of foliage and Roman numerals. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Gilt brass, unusual Lepine type calibre with going barrel, duplex escapement with gilt brass 'scape wheel, cut bimetallic balance, flat balance spring and ruby endstone. The barrel is set with a wheel, gearing with another fixed on the centre of the back in such a way the watch can be wound by revolving the back. Repeating the hours on turning the bezel in one direction and the quarters on turning it back, it is first necessary to press the push-piece in the band to unlock the bezel. In good condition. Diam. 40 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image

Notes

Note: A watch, based on the same principle, signed: " Rentzsch, Invenit et Fecit, London", was sold in this room on 18 October 1992, lot No. 106. A similar watch, made by the same maker, from the Ilbert Collection is kept in the British Museum. Rentzsch's dates are given as 1813-1842, in 1827 he was working at 2, George Street, St. James Square, Watchmaker to the King and Royal Family. He was describedbyBrittenas"aclevermechanician"Thewatchnowofferedforsalewasdescribedby T.P. CamererCussin"AntiquarianHorology",