124,500 CHF
Girard-Perregaux, Chaux-de-Fonds, No. 289447, carriage by Albert Pellaton-Favre, made circa 1907.Exceptionally fine, very rare, large 18K gold hunting-cased keyless one-minute tourbillon regulator with chronometer escapement and "gold three bridge" patented movement, first prize winner at the 1907 Observatory of Neuchâtel Timing Contest. Accompanied by the Bulletin de Marche de l'Observatoire Astronomique et de Chronomètrie. Four-body, "bassine et filets" with concave, double-stepped bezels, engine-turned, front engraved with initials, gold hinged cuvette over gold bezel glazed for viewing the movement, five-link hinges. White enamel, double sunk, radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary sunk seconds. Blued steel "spade" hands. Notes This is one of highest grade tourbillons Girard-Perregaux ever made. It features the famous gold bridges and Pellaton cage while others are based on Grether; it features spring detent escapement; and finally it employs a Guillaume balance. Only one other similar tourbillon regulator is known; this is No. 284409 illustrated in "Le Tourbillon" by Reinhard Meis, Paris, 1990, p. 133.The cuvette of the watch is inscribed : "Chronomètre Tourbillon, Bulletin d'Observatoire de 1ère Classe 'Hors Concours' Membre du Jury Exposition Universelle Paris 1900".There is no doubt that Girard-Perregaux paid special attention to the finishing of this watch. Their efforts were rewarded by the First Prize at the Observatory Contest.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2002-11-16