Agassiz - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Agassiz
    Year: Circa 1948
    Movement No: 4'841'553
    Case No: 4'841'552
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, 17 jewels
    Dimensions: 45.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present watch is an exceedingly attractive example of a world time pocket watch. While Louis Cottier's invention is perhaps most associated with Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin watches, he also made movements for firms such as Agassiz. Agassiz fitted Cottier's ingenious "world time" system to both pocket and wristwatches.

    This examples is preserved in particularly stunning condition. Cased in 14k yellow gold, the watch has over time developed a light layer of patina, giving it great appeal and charisma. There is furthermore a very strong hallmark under the bow. The dial, having aged with light patina, displays the different time zones legibly, as all printing is intact over the years.

    Most impressive is the movement, which, in our opinion has been untouched in its over 60 year lifespan, further enhanced by the fact that there are no service marks at all to the case back. The movement is also stamped "AXA" for A. Wittnauer & Co., denoting the watch was made for export. This is particularly fitted as the watch is cased in 14k gold, most likely due to import restrictions.

180

A highly rare and well preserved 14k yellow gold world time openface watch

Circa 1948
45.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€7,400-11,100
$7,900-11,900

Sold for CHF11,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017