619,500 CHF
The World's Smallest TourbillonFritz-André Robert-Charrue, Le Locle, dated 1945. Magnificent, highly important and exceptionally small 18K gold keyless chronometer with one-minute tourbillon regulator, winner of a prize from the Société Suisse de Chronométrie, and masterpiece of the 1949 Swiss Exhibition in London. In original leather fitted box, accompanied by copies of maker's original designs, award notifications and other documents. Three-piece, glazed on both sides, drum-type, brushed band, polished bezels. Matte silver with applied gold radial Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds. Blued steel "bâton" hands. Notes In 1927, the undisputed master of tourbillons, James Pellaton, made a 10 1/2''' (23.6 mm.) tourbillon watch. At the time it was the smallest tourbillon in the world. Pellaton said he was confident it would remain the world's smallest, because creating a smaller one was just not possible. Little did he know that 18 years later in 1945, his own apprentice would create a tourbillon watch of 8 3/4''' (19.7 mm.), which still remains the world's smallest tourbillon movement. This tourbillon is the prsent watch.Miniaturization has always been considered a proof of skill in horology. With the discovery of the tourbillon carriage, the trend was in full swing. The best makers tried their skills at creating the smallest watch possible. This was a means of impressing their clientele, as well as their peers, and of proving their skill. The Swiss were particul
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2003-04-12
