Fine Watches
Fine Watches
Twenty Dollar Coin Liberty Head | A yellow gold coin watch, Circa 1958
No reserve
Lot Closed
March 31, 05:03 PM GMT
Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 USD
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Caliber: cal. 9P mechanical, 18 jewels
Movement number: 580'662
Case: 18k yellow gold, hinged lid, snap-on case back
Case number: 900
Size: 35 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Piaget presentation box
Weight: approximately 37.1 g
The history of coin watches can be traced back to the early 20th century. While not the first brand to make coin watches, Cartier in particular stands out for their exceptional craftsmanship, which can be attributed to the famous salesman turned watchmaker Joseph Vergely. To create the watch, the coin would be dissected at two sides and an interior within each side is carved to house the timepiece. Finally the two sides are rejoined in a hinged fashion. Largely credited with perfecting this technique, Vergely would go on to run the European Watch and Clock Company in Paris and play an instrumental role in the partnership between Edmond Jaeger and Cartier. As the design grew in popularity, we started to see other brands adopt the coin form watch produced in the design of Vergely, including Piaget, Rolex, and Patek Philippe.
The coin watch regained popularity in the mid-20th century. A unique blend of horology and numismatics, the timepieces were embedded in a genuine, usually commemorative, gold coin.
The present example is a coin watch by Piaget. Known for producing ultra thin movements, and their never ending pursuit of engineering even thinner movements, the timepiece is nestled in a twenty U.S. dollar commemorative gold coin, and powered by the in house ultra thin 9P movement launched in 1957 that measures only 2 mm.
A delightful surprise hidden in the coin, the present timepiece is in very good condition and comes with its original box. The details on the obverse and reverse of the coin are well preserved and the case maintains clear and crisp engravings.