Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Oct 31, 1998
LOT 131
Julien Le Roy a Paris, No. 2651, circa 1750. Fine and rare early dumb quarter repeating watch a bate levee.
CHF 5,000 - 6,000
Sold: CHF 5,405
C. Double body, Louis XV, polished. D. White enamel with Roman numerals and outer Arabic minute ring. Gold Louis XV hands. Gilt brass dial rim engraved: Invente parJu. Le Roy en 1740. M. Hinged gilt brass full plate, with cylindrical pillars, fusee with chain, verge escapement, repeating on the edge of the case by depressing the pendant. Signed on the dial and back plate. Diam. 47 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AAA |
Excellent |
Case: 4-21 |
Fair Period |
Movement: 4* |
Fair Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 8-04 |
Slightly scratched HANDS Later |
Notes
We are irr debt to Julien Le Roy for the two main improvements
made in France on repeating watches.
First in 1740 he devised a new arrangement allowing the
enlargement of the area for the repeating work. This invention,
called a bate levee, was soon adopted by all his fellow
watchmakers. Most of these watches were dumb repeaters which
he was also the first to produce in France. Watch No. 1827 is one
of the earliest known of this type,
In 1755 he devised a new repeating train regulated by a small
anchor escapement which was also soon adopted by the best of
French watchmakers. Watch No. 3373 is one of the earliest
known of this type
Therefore, this watch, whose serial number is 2651 was certainly
produced towards 1750.