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Lot Essay
Whereas today one of the most common features for "haute horlogerie" wristwatches are glazed backs to reveal the beautifully finished movements, it was a virtually unknown element before the 1970s. Consequently, it is often wrongly assumed that vintage wristwatches with display case backs are later and non-original conversions.
The present watch is a rare retailer demonstration piece, finished with a glazed display back to reveal the fine quality Extra Prima movement with its chaton-set jewels.
The rarity of the present watch is further enhanced by its charming original condition. The dial displays a slight patina due to loss of the luminous material of the numerals, as well as a long mark between the nine and ten o'clock position from leaving the hour hand in one position over a long period of time.
The case back here is of different shape and construction than the standard Oyster back found on this model, so one can exclude that a solid back was cut out in order to fit the crystal.
Furthermore, the ultimate proof that the glazed back is original on this watch is its provenance. During construction work at the premises of the prestigious Chronometrie Beyer in Zrich in the late 1990's, a wooden box containing some 300 watches never sold by Chronometrie Beyer and, as a consequence, never worn, was rediscovered. Shortly after having been found, the entire content of the box was sold at Sotheby's in Geneva on the 18 May 1999, the present watch being lot 221.
The present watch is a rare retailer demonstration piece, finished with a glazed display back to reveal the fine quality Extra Prima movement with its chaton-set jewels.
The rarity of the present watch is further enhanced by its charming original condition. The dial displays a slight patina due to loss of the luminous material of the numerals, as well as a long mark between the nine and ten o'clock position from leaving the hour hand in one position over a long period of time.
The case back here is of different shape and construction than the standard Oyster back found on this model, so one can exclude that a solid back was cut out in order to fit the crystal.
Furthermore, the ultimate proof that the glazed back is original on this watch is its provenance. During construction work at the premises of the prestigious Chronometrie Beyer in Zrich in the late 1990's, a wooden box containing some 300 watches never sold by Chronometrie Beyer and, as a consequence, never worn, was rediscovered. Shortly after having been found, the entire content of the box was sold at Sotheby's in Geneva on the 18 May 1999, the present watch being lot 221.