Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2312. A large pink gold hunting case two-train carillon minute repeating grande sonnerie keyless lever clockwatch with enamel dial, Circa 1915 .

Zenith

A large pink gold hunting case two-train carillon minute repeating grande sonnerie keyless lever clockwatch with enamel dial, Circa 1915

Estimate

120,000 - 240,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Zenith

A large pink gold hunting case two-train carillon minute repeating grande sonnerie keyless lever clockwatch with enamel dial, Circa 1915

Dial: white enamel

Calibre: cal. 19’’’ mechanical, bi-metalic compensation balance, three polished steel hammers repeating on three gongs, 27 jewels

Case: 18k pink gold, hinged engine-turned covers, cuvette engraved Repetition á Minutes Carillon Grande Sonnerie

Case number: 091'984

Size: 57 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

The present watch is a two-train carillon minute repeating grande sonnerie pocket watch, housed in a substantial case measuring 57 mm in diameter. Its grande sonnerie and minute repeating movement was developed on the basis of three Swiss patents granted to César Racine: CH 6835, relating to a minute repeating and grande sonnerie system; CH 16112, concerning an automatic triggering mechanism for grande sonnerie watches; and CH 18543, covering improvements to the grande sonnerie system.

César Racine (1851–1931) was a historic watchmaker who specialised particularly in striking and repeating mechanisms. He made several significant advances in the design of chiming and chronograph movements. His innovative minute repeating and grande sonnerie movement simplified the mechanism and reduced its production cost.

The sonnerie is considered one of the most challenging and complex complications in watchmaking. Although the present movement does not incorporate a petite sonnerie, it retains the grande sonnerie function and also features a carillon repeating mechanism. More complicated than a conventional minute repeating mechanism, a carillon mechanism uses three or more hammers and two or more gongs, rather than the standard two hammers and two gongs, to strike the hours, quarters and minutes with a richer and more melodious tone.

César Racine produced a number of striking movements of this type, contributing to Zenith’s prominence during the period. Combining a substantial case with an intricate two-train grande sonnerie and carillon minute repeating movement, the present watch is a rare and highly collectible timepiece.

真力時

大碼，粉紅金獵殼雙輪系三錘三問大自鳴懷錶，備琺瑯錶盤，約1915年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."