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180

Agassiz

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

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000
€7,400 - 11,100
$7,900 - 11,900
CHF11,250
Lot Details
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.