Anonymous - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Anonymous
    Year: Circa 1900
    Case No: 217679, cuvette patent no. 217679
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, lever movement, 32 jewels
    Dimensions: 63mm diameter
    Signed: Cuvette signed Maar Beer and numbered, case numbered
    Accessories: Further accompanied by a fitted wooden presentation box and 2010 service papers.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Oversized complicated pocket watches represent the finest in traditional horology. They are mechanical marvels that demonstrate the skill and talent of fine watchmakers, who through a series of gear, wheels and the escapement produce timepieces, which not only tell time but chime it as well. Evolving from repeating clocks, the first chiming watches were developed at the end of the 18th century, when Edward Barlow and Daniel Quare applied for patents, with Quare ultimately awarded it. By 1750 Thomas Mudge created the first minute repeating watch with the addition of a third snail wheel and rack. Famed watch maker Abraham-Louis Breguet improved the repeater with the use of steel gongs, which allowed for a cleaner brighter tone and quality. Today, the tradition of repeating timepieces continues with luxury Swiss brands producing some of the finest repeating wristwatches available on the market.

    The present minute repeating chronograph hunter case pocket watch is an excellent example of the quality and workmanship found in horology at the turn of the 20th century. Many known and unknown watch makers were manufacturing watches for a growing clientele of wealthy businessmen, and this pocket watch is signed Maar Beer with the patent no. 217679. While there is little historical information available for the maker, the watch is a testament to his workmanship. The heavy oversized yellow gold case features engraved coats of arms to the front and back covers. Both have remained relatively crisp over the years with the engraved lines clean and clear. The dial has nicely aged and is clean. The movement, which is the heart of the watch, repeats with a lovely tone and clear sound.

    Today’s collectors often forget to look at the past, but timepieces like the present pocket watch is a reminder of the evolution of horology and fine workmanship of those who came before.

869

A fine and attractive pink gold minute repeating hunter cased keyless lever chronograph watch with wooden presentation box

Circa 1900
63mm diameter
Cuvette signed Maar Beer and numbered, case numbered

Estimate
HK$48,000 - 80,000 
€5,200-8,700
$6,200-10,300

Sold for HK$87,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020