106th Auction

2022/5/21

Lot 190

Simon Vissière

A small Parisian ship's chronometer with regulator dial and 49h power reserve

estimated
12.50015.000 €
Price realized
-
specific features
Case
Mahogany, spring suspensioned brass gimbals and bowl.
Dial
Silvered.
Movement
Brass movement, 70 mm, chain/fusee, spring detent escapement according to Thomas Earnshaw, bimetallic chronometer balance with 4 weights and 2 screws.
Diam.160 x 170 x 160 mm
Circa1860
Ctry.France


The small size chronometers created by Simon Vissière are exquisite pieces, also this one shows the finest French watchmaking art and was once sold to England, as it was serviced by H.G. Blair in Cardiff. The unpretentious movement in excellent condition has a jumping power reserve indicator and is typical for Vissière’s style.
Simon Vissière (1822-1887) was a pupil of Joseph Thaddäus Winnerl; he himself was the teacher of renowned makers such as Leroy and Richard Lange. He was born in Paris and later moved to Le Havre, where he opened a workshop and his own observatory. Vissière gained a name as a maker of exquisite marine chronometers and was an early user of anti-magnetic materials for chronometers.