Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 24, 1999

LOT 128

Swiss, circa 1800. Fine and very unusual silver dual-time watch with calendar, decorated dial and double movement.

CHF 13,000 - 15,000

C. Double body, Directoire, polished. D. White enamel painted with a figure of Urania, the Goddess of Astronomy and a couple of doves, two small symmetrical dials for two time zones the first with Roman numerals, the other with Arabic numerals and a small offset subsidiary dial for days of the month. Blued-steel "spade and Breguet " hands. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate with square baluster pillars, two complete trains, each with each with fusee and chain, verge escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring, gilt brass continental cock with polished steel end-piece. Diam. 62 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 4

Fair
Movement: *4

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 4-6-01

Fair

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Notes

As opposed to the watch by Schilling (lot 93), this very rare and unusual watch cannot be considered as an economical application of Breguet's research on resonance mutual adjustments, since it was produced before the researches of the eminent maker. This watch, fitted with two movements, regulated by two complete escapements, was therefore certainly produced be used as a travelling watch only, showing the time in two different time zones. Breguet was the first to discover the phenomenon of resonance and its applications. He made two long case regulators and some watches fitted with two complete movements in the same case and showed that the balances, regulated by the resonance phenomenon are brought to oscillate step to step. This watch, fitted with two movements, regulated by two complete escapements, is a popular attempt to demonstrate the ability of the phenomenon of resonance to bring the two balances to oscillate step to step in spite of the different technology of the two escapements.