Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, Nov 13, 2011

LOT 300

MUSICAL QUARTER-REPEATING WATCH Swiss. Made circa 1820. Fine and very rare, musical and quarter-repeating, 18K gold pocket watch with barillet-type pinned cylinder musical movement.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

USD 7,500 - 10,000 / EUR 5,800 - 7,500

Sold: CHF 12,500

C. Four-body, "Empire", polished, reeded band, bolt for music activation in the band. Hinged gilt-metal cuvette. D. White enamel with Arabic numerals in gold paillon circular reserves, outer minute track. Blued-steel Breguet hands. M. Frosted and gilt half-plate, cylinder escapement with plain three-arm brass balance and flat balance spring, polished steel endplate, index regulator, repeating on gongs activated by depressing the pendant. Cylinder musical train playing at will, with 32 tooth comb grouped mainly in trios, and mounted between the dial and dial plate. Diam. 55 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-75-09

Good

ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Slightly restored soft enamel

HANDS Damaged

Notes

The movement of this watch is the rare barillet-type with pinned cylinder, a miniature version of the type of movements found in full-size musical boxes. Most makers during the early 19th century used the sur-plateau type movement with a flat pinned rotating disc as opposed to a cylinder. The cylinder type is more robust and gives a more resonant sound, but requires a thicker case to house it.