14,950 CHF
H. GrandJean et Cie., Locle, London, No. 549, circa 1870. Very fine and important, 18K gold, keyless, center seconds astronomical, pocket watch with perpetual calendar phases of the moon and chronometer balance with helical balance spring, and very early quick-date setting. Four-body, “bassine et filets”, engine-turned back, gold hinged cuvette engraved with foliage, small pin to the left of the pendant for the quick date change. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute and seconds divisions with five-minute/seconds red Arabic markers, three subsidiary sunk dials for days of the week, date concentric with the four year leap cycle, months, and phases of the moon aperture. Gold “spade” hands. Notes The watch is the earliest calendar watch with quick date set known to us. The idea, as seen in modern wristwatches, was developed and patented in the 1950s. It is remarkable that eighty years previously, Henri GrandJean saw the need for such a device, invented it, and implemented in this watch.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-11-14
