7,590 CHF
Etienne Tavernier, Paris, circa 1820. Rare 18K gold astronomical, moon phase, mechanical calendar key. "Empire", polished with reeded band, glazed on both sides, gold pendant terminated with steel key, gold bow. White enamel on the front with days of the week and date indications. Blued steel "half-crescent and cathedral" hands. Back with engine-turned gold plate with moon phase aperture, 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.Signed on the dial.Diam. 23 mm. Notes Etienne Tavernier. He 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:
2003-11-16
