8,050 CHF
Changeont MinonUnsigned, Swiss, circa 1785. Fine and highly unusual, astronomical, double face, erotic with phases of the moon, mechanical calendar ratchet key for a watch. Gilt brass, glazed both sides, polished, straight pendant, small bow. 24.8 mm o, brass, circular, with click wheels in the centre, on one side with 12 and 31 teeth, the other with 14 and 28 teeth set on each side of a thick single plate, activated when the key is inserted in the winding square. Inserting the key to wind the watch automatically advances the calendar one day, the ratchet action assures that it is not advanced more than one day during a single winding.Diam. 41 x 27 mm.Published in the Sandberg book, page 124-125. Notes See the previous lot for similar subject. The title, from archaic French, can be translated as: 'exchange is no robbery'.Since most watches need to be wound once a day, the key provides an interesting way to accommodate a calendar. The idea was invented by Etienne Tavernier when he worked at Rue et Carrefour de Bussy, (1772-1804) and later was improved, possibl by the maker of the present lot.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2001-03-31