7,475 CHF
Tiffany & Co, New York, No. 3481, circa 1890.Fine and unusual 18K gold, keyless, split-seconds chronograph watch with return-to-zero, direct quarter-second 'foudroyante'. Four-body, massive, polished with reeded bezels. Back cover monogrammed. Hinged gold cuvette. Notes The direct 'diablotine' mechanism was invented by Ami LeCoultre from Le Brassus, Switzerland, and is based on his patent No. 355403 of Jan. 4, 1887 for a 'split second chronograph based on a hairspring' and improved as per Swiss patent No. 163 of 26 Jan. 1889. The invention is based on a clutch mechanism mounted on the 3rd wheel and driven by a small spiral spring, similar to a balance spring. The clutch is geared and drives a pinion engaging the chronograph wheel, by means of an intermediate whel. A very elegant and clever design eliminating the need for the second train.Ami LeCoultre, a watchmaker and constructeur at the end of the 19th century, was one of the best specialists in complicated watches. He joined Piguet brothers and founded LeCoultre-Piguet, a company that specialized in manufacturing complicated movements, mainly for others.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2000-10-15
