55,200 CHF
Frédéric Houriet, No. 79, Swiss, completed inMarch 1828.Very fine and rare silver pocket chronometer in original fitted box and accompanied by an extra crystal and a manuscript copy, made in Geneva on July 5, 1848, of the Description du Chronomètre No. 79, fait par F. Houriet du Locle - Mars 1828. Three body, massive, "forme quatre baguettes", polished. Hinged gilt brass cuvette engraved with technical details. White enamel with Roman numerals, outer minute ring and sunk subsidiary seconds. Blued steel Breguet hands. Notes This chronometer is almost identical to the one numbered 78P, made for H. Laresche, Galerie de Vallois, in Paris, sold by Antiquorum in Geneva on October 1998, lot 122. Its movement is typical of Frederic Houriet's work. The calibre is similar to that used both by Houriet and by Urban Jürgensen for the tourbillon made for Breguet.This chronometer is accompanied by a handwritten document by the then-owner of the watch and dated July 5, 1848. It is in fact a copy of the original description which F. Houriet himself had written in March 1828. Following the description, the writer also gives his high opinion of the watch which he used every day for 20 years and wishes that it will be passed on to someone who will appreciate its inestimable quality.Jacques-Frédéric. Houriet (1743-1830) was born at La Chaux d'Abel. He was an apprentice to his uncle, Daniel Gagnebin, at Renan and later to Abraham-Louis Perrelet. In Paris he worked for Pierre LeRoy, Jean
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1999-10-23
