Lot 456

Girard Perregaux, Chaux de Fonds, Case No. 12792 / 45240, 55 mm, 177 g, circa 1867
A magnificent, heavy precision pocket watch with one-minute tourbillon and pivoted detent escapement with the coat of arms of Uruguay, original mahogany box and blank certificate
Case: 18k gold, case maker's punch mark "FN". Dial: enamel. Movm.: three-bridge movement, steel tourbillon cage according to Guinand, gold screw compensation balance.
Inside is a rather plain and unobtrusive nickel silver movement with three bridges and a delicate tourbillon cage with pivoted detent escapement - indeed a feast for the eyes! The movement sits in a marvellously engraved case which is decorated with copious flowers on one side and the Uruguay coat of arms on the other: a pair of scales for equality and justice, the mountain of Montevideo with its fortress, a galloping horse for freedom, and an ox for wealth and abundance; the shield itself is surmounted by the sun and framed by a laurel wreath.
This is one of the earliest remaining examples of the legendary Girard-Perregaux 3-bridges with tourbillon.
The condition of the watch is striking - it was most probably only used for special occasions by a Uruguayan high dignitary.

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