109th Auction

2023/11/18

Lot 201

Henry Moser & Co.
Equation of Time

A very fine, astronomical lever chronometer with rare equation of time indication, full calendar, moon phase and large original wooden box

Sold

estimated
9.00012.500 €
Price realized
20.000 €
specific features
Case
18 K gold.
Dial
Enamel, window for weekday and moon display.
Movement
Bridge movement, keywind, gold screw compensation balance.
Case no.814
Diam.53 mm
Circa1890
Ctry.Switzerland
Wt.138 g


Movement, dial and the case of this pocket watch with its finely engine-turned pattern are in excellent condition; quite unusually the watch also boasts a rare equation of time indication. Equally remarkable is the pusher for moon phase and day of the week, which can be moved back and forth with a slider.


Equation of time: This complication turns the "Raederuhr" into a sun dial. The "Raederuhr" shows midday every 24 hours. The sun dial on the other hand shows midday when the sun is at its highest point. Due to the inclination of the Earth's axis and the ellipticity of its orbit the sun is not always at its highest point at the same time. A clock with equation shows the extend of this deviation.