ROBERT GERTH. A RARE AND INTERESTING GOLD THREE TRAIN OPENFACE QUARTER REPEATING INDEPENDENT SECONDS CYLINDER POCKETWATCH WITH FIFTEEN SECOND SELF-STRIKE

Details

ROBERT GERTH. A RARE AND INTERESTING GOLD THREE TRAIN OPENFACE QUARTER REPEATING INDEPENDENT SECONDS CYLINDER POCKETWATCH WITH FIFTEEN SECOND SELF-STRIKE
signed Robert Gerth & Co., Chaux-de-Fonds, no. 1046, 1830s

the frosted gilt two train movement with cylinder escapement and 25 jewels, repeating on two gongs by depressing a plunger in the pendant, with a separate self-striking train wound independently of the two main trains striking a single blow on a third gong every 15 seconds, the white enamel dial with Roman numerals, gold moon hands, jumping sweep centre seconds activated by a slide in the band, the engine-turned case with floral decoration to the rims in high relief, milled band, the case signed and numbered - 60mm. diam.

Lot Essay

The original purpose of the 15 second strike is unclear but it is though to have been for use in astronomy in much the same way as the Journeyman's clock or watch which gave a one-minute strike. This was to assist the astronomer in counting short periods of time whilst viewing through a telescope.

More from Clocks & Watches

View All