LE PHARE (SWISS) Silver Niello 54mm Open Face Minute Repeater Chronograph w/30min Register Jeweled to Hammers

Description

REMARKS: Swiss ‘Le Phare’ Silver Niello Minute Repeater Chronograph Pocket Watch with 30 Minute Register (unmarked, our attribution).  The movement is a top grade one with jewels to the hammers and column wheel controlled chronograph mechanism.  It is always a challenge to construct a watch with 300-400 parts even for the best brands in which Le Phare was considered an elite complicated watch manufacturer from the late 19^th century until the early part of the 20^th century.  Le Phare was an innovational brand in Swiss horological makers, especially in terms of their complicated watches.  In this example the minute repeater features a flywheel to control repeating speed for which Le Phare is one of the innovators in developing this mechanism and they’ve also refined their minute repeater movement to make it a top-grade creation.  Features such as jeweled hammers and well-chamfered bridges/parts are all testament to its top grade status as an antique complicated pocket watch.  For this highly complicated watch movement to be placed into a silver niello case attributes it as a South American market product when it was originally sold.

CONDITION REPORT: Condition-wise the watch winds and runs well and the minute repeater works accurately to chime the time.  The sound of the minute repeating is loud and clear with no distortion so it sounds very pleasing.  Chronograph works well.  We do not make guarantee only timekeeping accuracy or operation.  It has not been serviced by the seller and it’s under the sole discretion of the end-user in regards to service or maintenance.  For any antique watch movement we always recommend for the owner to conduct full service with qualified watchmaker to ensure longevity of the mechanism.  Cosmetically the entire watch is in very good shape that the silver niello appliques are still clear with the expected tarnish.  The enamel dial is in excellent condition with no hairline cracks and just a tiny edge chip outside of the 31min marker.  This chip cannot be seen with the front bezel closed.  Overall it is just such an amazing historical timepiece in wonderful original shape.  No box or paperwork, guaranteed 100% original and authentic.  Diameter 54mm, total weight is 129.7g.

Please compare our previously sold Le Phare signed minute repeater chronograph to see matching movement: https://luxedealmaster.com/shop/pocket-watches/2500pw-lephare-swiss-18k-gold-oversized-open-face-minute-repeater-chronograph-jeweled-hammers-pocket-watch/