Exceptional Horological Works of Art

Geneva, Oct 19, 2002

LOT 23

The First World Time Wristwatch with Two Crowns Louis Cottier, Carouge, patent No. 270085. Dated 1950. Very fine and unique, 24-hour "World Time", 18K yellow gold gentleman's wristwatch with two crowns, Louis Cottier?s personal watch.

CHF 1 - 1

EUR 1 - 1

C. three-body, polished, flat bezel with black enameled 360 degree markers, overhanging pyramidal fluted lugs. D. matte silver outer revolving ring dial bearing the indications of 24 cities around the world, concentric, the 24-hour revolving ring dial in alternating silver and black with painted Arabic numerals for diurnal and nocturnal hours, concentric matte silver ring dial with applied yellow gold Roman numerals and indexes, at the center, a marine map. Yellow gold "Louis Cottier" hands. M. 12''', rhodium-plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring. Signed and numbered on the movement, numbered on the case. Diam. 37 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

The present watch belonged to the legendary Louis Cottier himself. It was his personal watch and was worn by him much of his life. This is the very first two-crown World Time watch employing the system invented by Cottier in 1950, and which he patented under the number 270085. The patent was subsequently used by Patek Philippe for their well-known references 2523 HU and 2523-1 (see lot No. 24) which were produced between 1953 and 1965. Furthermore, it is the wristwatch which was used to present the two-crown World Time system to Patek Philippe. As such, it can truly be considered the piece which inspired the much appreciated World Time series, considered by many to be one of the most practical and important inventions of modern horology.