Thematic Auction in Geneva:The Evolut...

Hotel Noga Hilton, Geneva, Nov 16, 2002

LOT 427

Blanc Laine, A Paris, circa 1790.Fine and very rare 18K gold duodecimal and decimal revolutionary watch.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

EUR 4,600 - 6,000

Sold: CHF 7,705

C. Two-body, Louis XVI, polished. D. White enamel, 24-hour (2 x 12) Arabic duodecimal ring with outer minute divisions and fifteen-minute Arabic markers, inner 10-hour (2 x 5) Arabic decimal ring with inner 10 minute divisions and 25- minute decimal Arabic markers, winding aperture between 1 and 2 o'clock. Blued steel "arrow" hands. M. 44 mm., frosted gilt full-plate with cylindrical pillars, fusee and chain, verge escapement plain brass balance with flat balance spring, continental cock.Signed on the movement.Diam. 52 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 10
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-21-01

Good

Period

HANDS Original

Notes

A Blanc l'aîné (Blanc the elder) is recorded as working in Paris in 1800 in the rue Saint Honoré.In 1792 there was a discussion in France concerning the best way of adapting duodecimal watches to the decimal system. One watchmaker proposed changing the dial train (the hour wheels) from 1/12 to 1/24, and replacing the dial with a 24-hour chapter and a concentric 10-hour decimal one, resulting in one complete revolution per day of the hour hand. The hours would then be indicated correctly in both systems, while the minutes remained duodecimal (60 minutes per hour). The present watch utilizeshis system.