3,220 CHF
A. S. & F. (Armand Schwob & Frères, Chaux-de-Fonds), Swiss, Mystérieuse, Breveté S.G.D.G., circa 1890.Fine and rare silver, early, keyless mystery watch. Three-body, “bassine et filets”, polished, glazed on the back. Eccentric glass with Roman numerals and outer minute ring. Polished steel “spade” hands. Engine-turned dial plate with foliage decoration Gilt brass, croissant shaped, 10 jewels, cylinder escapement, plain brass three-arm balance, flat balance spring.Signed on the dial plate.Accompanied by photocopies of Swiss patent No. 151, Classe 123, published on 24 January 1889.Diam. 54 mm. Notes Built on the principle invented by Robert-Houdin for clocks, this watch seems to work without any mechanical movement.In fact, driven by the croissant shaped movement concealed above the dial on the border, the hands are revolving with the glass plate, set beneath the dial.Patented by Armand Schwob & Frère à Paris on 24 January 1889, such watches were very popular towards the end of the 19th century; quite a few were produced in silver cases, but most are now in poor condition the glass dials being often broken.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2000-04-02
