Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 317

Girard-Perregaux, Chaux-de-Fonds, No. 289447, carriage by Albert Pellaton-Favre, made circa 1907.Exceptionally fine, very rare, large 18K gold hunting-cased keyless one-minute tourbillon regulator with chronometer escapement and "gold three bridge" patented movement, first prize winner at the 1907 Observatory of Neuchâtel Timing Contest. Accompanied by the Bulletin de Marche de l'Observatoire Astronomique et de Chronomètrie.

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EUR 0 - 0

Sold: CHF 124,500

C. Four-body, "bassine et filets" with concave, double-stepped bezels, engine-turned, front engraved with initials, gold hinged cuvette over gold bezel glazed for viewing the movement, five-link hinges. D. White enamel, double sunk, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary sunk seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. M. 48 mm. (21'''), nickel with patented three parallel pink gold bridges, pillar plate elaborately damascened with wave pattern and rosettes, dial side wih very fine spotting, going barrel damascened with rosette, 18 jewels, top ones on raised gold screwed settings, tourbillon with highly polished, equidistant Pellaton type carriage, spring detent escapement, gold train including the escape wheel, 21,600 beats per hour, anibal-brass Guillaume cut bimetallic compensation balance with gold and platinum screws, special alloy Breguet balance spring with amplitude safety device.Signed on dial, case and movement.Diam. 62 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2 - 01

Notes

This is one of highest grade tourbillons Girard-Perregaux ever made. It features the famous gold bridges and Pellaton cage while others are based on Grether; it features spring detent escapement; and finally it employs a Guillaume balance. Only one other similar tourbillon regulator is known; this is No. 284409 illustrated in "Le Tourbillon" by Reinhard Meis, Paris, 1990, p. 133.The cuvette of the watch is inscribed : "Chronomètre Tourbillon, Bulletin d'Observatoire de 1ère Classe 'Hors Concours' Membre du Jury Exposition Universelle Paris 1900".There is no doubt that Girard-Perregaux paid special attention to the finishing of this watch. Their efforts were rewarded by the First Prize at the Observatory Contest.