259,250 CHF
Mugnier, Horloger de LL. MM. II et RR, No. 1167, circa 1812, Echappement par Winnerl. Extremely fine and unique 18 ct. gold, half quarter-repeating, self winding watch with power reserve indicator and chronometer escapement by Winnerl, in original red Morocco fitted box, marked with the gilt initial of Napoléon. Four body, "forme quatre baguettes" by Tavernier (Master mark), with reeded band and bezels, the back polished. Gold cuvette. White enamel with Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds and 60 hour power reserve indication. Blued-steel Breguet hands. Notes LL. MM. II et RR (Leurs Majestés Impériales et Royales): Title given to Napoléon and his wife. The exceptional quality of this watch, not only in its original conception and workmanship, but also the care and attention to details shown by Winnerl in his upgrading of the escapement and dial, make it interesting to speculate as to its history. Napoleon's initial on the box and the fact that Mugnier was clockmaker to both the Emperor and his wife, clearly indicates that it was intended to be either for Bonaparte personally or presented by him to someone of importance. The exact date at which the watch was entrusted to Winnerl for upgrading is unknown, but it vas certainly after Napoleon's death. In view of the fact that he took enormous care to execute the work in such a way that his new escapement apparently made use of only the original holes, that he made a new dial bearing his signature and added his name to the
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1993-11-14
