A unique artifact of museum-quality watchmaking history in rare 700 silver with a magnificent movement for the Chinese market; it is an early observation watch with a super rare early central seconds hand.
Description:
A virtually unique technical rarity: Seconde Morte observation watch with earliest central seconds hand, presumably for the Chinese market.
Savonette, 18k silver, white, unrestored enamel dial with Roman numerals and minute hairline cracks, central seconds hand, blued Breguet-style hands
A massive 5.5cm in diameter, solid 700 silver, key-wound, pressed case back with a hinged opening mechanism in the crown, with inner protective case back, beautifully hand-engraved with a sun.
Gilded bridge movement with early fine adjustment, cylinder escapement with central seconds function, and a rare off-center hand-setting stem, the likes of which I have never seen in 30 years. The entire movement is—as is typical for the Chinese market—exquisitely and artfully hand-engraved and decorated.
High-quality, thick mineral glass
This almost unique artifact – as well as the central seconds hand – is running (accuracy not tested), but given its age it should certainly be cleaned.
EZ: 2 - good collector's condition with few, barely noticeable signs of age and use, unrestored dial with tiny hairline cracks, lid closes flush, starts running
