34,500 CHF
Not signed, Swiss, circa 1880. Extremely rare and fine 18 ct. gold moon-phase astronomical keyless watch with fly-back perpetual calendar and detachable sundial. Notes Watches fitted with universal sundials are exceptionally rare. The earliest examples dating from the late XVlth century, had a fixed horizontal dial in the covers. Examples from the XVIIth century (approximately four) are known to exist, where the sundial is detachable. Clearly a reasonably accurate method of resetting a watch to time would have been of great assistance during these earlier centuries, but by the end of the XlXth century, when this particular watch was made, the problems of accuracy and reliability were solved. It therefore seems likely that this watch, which appears to be the only recorded example, must be a special commission for a customer who intended to travel into areas well away from civilisation.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
1994-04-10
