Niga - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Niga
    Year: Circa 1940
    Case No: 195’336
    Material: Stainless steel, pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original manufacturer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Established in 1932 by Georges Gagnebin and Armand Nicolet in the Jura mountains of Switzerland, G. Gagnebin & Cie used the brand name Niga to produce interesting and often architectural chronograph wristwatches during the middle of the last century, as well as precision chronometers and pocket watches. Rarely offered at auction, the ones that can be found display a wide variety of dial types and case shapes.

    Regardless of the name that graces the dial, the present “time capsule” watch is a phenomenal execution of mid-century chronograph design, preserved in “new old stock”, unused condition. The dial bears a tachymeter and telemeter scale, both rendered in copper gilt text, contrasting against the two-tone dial – glossy black to the outer rim and an anthracite grey inner dial. A pink gold bezel is engraved and enameled in blue, indicating the hours. The main part of the case is ruggedly geometric, with sharply downturned lugs and rectangular pushers. The engravings to the caseback are deeply punched and perfectly crisp – a clear indication of its pristine state of preservation.

    First offered at auction at Phillips in 2015, its appearance 8 years later presents an outstanding opportunity for collectors seeking an unusual yet extraordinary vintage chronograph wristwatch.

15

An unusual, virtually “new old stock” stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with pink gold bezel and multiscale dial

Circa 1940
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed.

Estimate
$4,000 - 8,000 
CHF3,600-7,200
€3,700-7,500
HK$31,200-62,500
S$5,400-10,900

Sold for $8,890

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023