106th Auction
2022/5/21
Lot 176
Le PhareChronométronome Máry
An exceptionally rare metronome chronograph "Montre Compteur Militaire" - military marching watch
Sold
estimated
2.000—3.000 €
Price realized
6.300 €
specific features
Case
Iron, gun-metal finished, pink gold crown, bow, pusher and shackle.
Dial
Enamel, subsidiary dial with marching speed per minute.
Movement
1/2 plate movement, 1 hammer / 1 gong, lever escapement, screw compensation balance.
Case no.674 1962
Diam.52 mm
Circa1900
Ctry.Switzerland
Wt.91 g
The beat rates of the repetition mechanism activated by the pusher in the pendant sound according to the preselected number of steps per minute (84 - 92 - 100 - 106 - 116 - 124) in six different speeds.
Barbezat-Baillot invented the brand Le Phare (= lighthouse) in 1888 and used it as his company name from 1905 on. Barbezat-Baillot was an extremely gifted watchmaker and inventor who registered a large number of patents. One of his most important inventions was the use of centrifugal force for the repeater mechanism. The present watch with its extraordinarily rare complication is known to us from the literature, but according to our information, this model is being offered at auction for the first time.