141,600 HKD
“Tavernier Calendar & Moon Phase Key” Et(ienne) Tavernier, Paris. Made circa 1800. Very fine and very rare, 18K gold, astronomical, mechanical calendar key with moon phase and lunar calendar. Three-body, "Empire", polished bezels, glazed on both sides, coin-edge band, swivel loop. White enamel on the front with day (in blue) and date indications. Blued steel hands. Back with engine turned gold plate engraved, with moon phase aperture, enamelled moon disc, age of the moon engraved on the border. All the functions advance by depressing a small lever protruding from the band each time the key is inserted in the winding square. Dial signed. Diam. 26 mm. Good overall condition. Notes Etienne Tavernier Invented this type of watch key while working in the rue de Bussy in Paris (1772-1804). A reproduction of the original instructions supplied by Tavernier for such astronomical keys is published by Mathieu Planchon in "Musée rétrospectif de la Classe 96, Horlogerie à l'Exposition Universelle Internationale de 1900 à Paris", p. 141,pl. CXVIII bis.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2003-06-02
