This is a rare and exceptionally ornate Swiss made wristwatch from the early Art Deco period. The movement is a Le-Coultre calibre which has been awarded the Poincon De Geneve or Geneva seal, the highest accreditation of quality within the Swiss watch industry.
This was given by the Geneva authorities to watches that follow a strict set of 12 technical and aesthetic criteria in manufacturing. This piece of Haute Horolgerie has been recently serviced and is keeping very good time.
The case is well proportioned at 20mm x 20mm, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 32mm. It is incredibly ornate, being formed of platinum, with 28 eight-cut diamonds milligrain set to the bezel. The case sides exhibit a beautiful hand engraved filigree band, whilst the lugs are hinged, with a curved row of three old Swiss-cut diamonds, also milligrain set. The case has the Swiss hallmark for Platinum.
The dial now presents as a deep silver to grey tone, exhibiting an even patina which is pleasing to the eye. The dial has a railroad track for the minutes, with Arabic numerals as the hour markers. The minimalistic and clean dial is the perfect counterbalance to the 28 eight-cut diamonds on the bezel.
The hand set is of a Breguet style, with a deep thermally blued tone. The watch is on a non-original, period white metal bangle. It has Filigree engraving which is consistent with the Art Nouveau period. It will fit up to a 7 inch wrist diameter.
The case back is formed of platinum and is in very good original condition. The polished finish has light surface scratching consistent with natural aging. The inside of the case back has Swiss hallmarking of the Chamois head, signifying Platinum. The serial number is 88713.
The acrylic crystal is a replacement and is in perfect condition. The crown appears to be original. It is in good condition and has a sharp coin edge finish. It the base tapers to fit to the case.
The movement is a Le-Coultre ebauche which has a jewel count of 18. The movement is jewelled to the centre, whilst there are cap jewels in the polished steel setting on the escape wheel. The movement has been awarded the Poincon de Geneve. This is given by Geneva authorities to watches that follow a set of 12 technical and aesthetic criteria in manufacturing. This was afforded to the highest quality and precision-made watch movements. The finishing to this movement is the finest you will see.
The movement has an unusual higher beat rate which means that the watch cannot be timed on most modern timegraphers.
The movement is in good condition both cosmetically and in terms of function. The movement has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to +25 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 275 degrees and a beat error of 0.2m/s.
This is an exceptionally well made watch.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is in original condition. It originally had a silvered satin base tone, but this has patinated and now presents as a deeper silver to grey tone. This is an even patina which is pleasing to the eye. The dial has a railroad track around the exterior in a black tone, whilst the hour markers are Arabic numerals. There is a subtle silver shadow to the edge of the numerals which makes them appear three dimensional. The signings tone has patinated and appears more dark brown. The minimalistic and clean dial is the perfect counter balance to the 28 eight-cut diamonds on the bezel.
Hands:
The hour and minute hands are original, of Breguet style in a thermally blued tone. The Blue tone has developed a deeper patina and now resembles a very deep blue to purple tone. They are in good original condition.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a replacement and is in perfect condition.
Crown:
The crown appears to be original. It is in good condition and has a sharp coin edge finish. It the base tapers to fit to the case.
Case:
The case is formed of Platinum and is in good condition. This is a very ornate case with some very fine techniques exhibited. The bezel consists of 28 eight-cut diamonds which are milligrain set to the bezel. The beaded finish neatly flanks the outer and inner boarder of the bezel. There are two beads separating each eight-cut diamond.
The case sides are flat, with a hand engraved filigree banded finish. The case back snaps on to the front piece of the case.
The lugs are hinged to the case, which allow the flexible lugs to curve. This ensures the watch sits neatly to the wrist. They are set with a curved row of three old Swiss-cut diamonds, which are milligrain set to the lugs.
Caseback:
The case back is formed of platinum and is in very good original condition. The polished finish has light surface scratching consistent with natural aging. The inside of the case back has Swiss hallmarking of the Chamois head, signifying Platinum. The serial number is 88713.
Strap:
The watch is on a non-original, period white metal bangle. It has Filigree engraving which is consistent with the Art Nouveau period. It will fit up to a 7 inch wrist diameter. It is in very good condition.
Movement:
The movement is a Le-Coultre ebauche which has a jewel count of 18. The movement is jewelled to the centre, whilst there are cap jewels in the polished steel setting on the escape wheel. The movement has been awarded the Poincon de Geneve. This is given by Geneva authorities to watches that follow a set of 12 technical and aesthetic criteria in manufacturing. This was afforded to the highest quality and precision-made watch movements. The finishing to this movement is the finest you will see.
The movement has an unusual higher beat rate which means that the watch cannot be timed on most modern timegraphers.
The movement is in good condition both cosmetically and in terms of function. The movement has been recently serviced. It is keeping time to +25 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 275 degrees and a beat error of 0.2m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 20mm
Case width with crown: 21.25mm
Case length: 20mm
Case length lug to lug: 32mm
Lug width: 10mm
Case Depth: 6mm