55,200 CHF
Jacques-Frédéric Houriet, No. 90, circa 1825. Very fine and rare silver pocket chronometer with Earnshaw type spring detent escapement and Réaumur thermometer. Three-body, massive, by “M.F.”, “bassine et filets”, polished. Hinged gilt brass cuvette engraved with technical details. Notes The watch features all the characteristics of Houriet’s work; the watchmaker was sometimes called “the Swiss Breguet”. The escapement is superbly finished with a large balance graduated on the top rim for temperature adjustment. The depth of the engagement for the locking jeweled pin and the escape wheel is micrometrically controlled by a special U-shaped steel bracket, the wheel train is made of gold, and in addition, the watch is fitted with the bimetallic thermometer invented by Houriet. For a biography, see page 54.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2004-11-14