Contemporary, Limited Edition and Mod...

New York, Park Lane Hotel, Dec 15, 1998

LOT 434

Attributable to Frederic Houriet, No. 50, Swiss, cased in France, circa 1845. Very fine and rare 18K gold hunting cased, diamondset pocket chronometer.

USD 20,000 - 24,000

Sold: USD 21,850

C. Custom made by Jules Perot (Master Mark) five body, massive with engine-turned cover and back, old cut diamond set pendant and rose-cut diamond set bow. I-Iinged gilt brass cuvette engraved with technical details. D. White enamel with Roman numerals, outer minute ring and sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 24'", frosted and gilt, three-quarter plate, with cylindrical pillars secured by screws, the back plate indented for the barrel secured by a bridge, the fusee with chain and maintaining power, 13 jewels, spring detent escapement, two-arm compensation balance with two trapezoidal weights and timing screws, free sprung blued steel helical balance spring. Diam. 66 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Almost identical to that of chronometer No. 78P, retailed by H. Laresche (sold by Antiquorum in Geneva on 31, October 1998, lot 122) the movement of this watch is typical of the work of Frederic Houriet. The calibre is similar to that used both by Houriet and Urban Jiirgensen for the tourbillon made for Breguet. It was certainly at the request of an important personality that the highly impressive hunting case of this chronometer was made in France by Jules Perot whose Master Mark was registered on 18 August 1843. The cuvette is engraved with technical details, attesting shat the movement was originally fitted with a spherical balance spring, like all other chronometers produced by Frederic Houriet.