A1506
Slim Gold and Enamel Bagnolet Cylinder
£4,000.00
Signed Swiss
Circa 1840
Circa 1840
A very thin mid 19th Century Bagnolet calibre cylinder in a gold and enamel case.
Diameter 42 mm Depth [overall] 4.5 mm
Out of stock
Description
A very thin mid 19th Century Bagnolet calibre cylinder in a gold and enamel case. Unusual Bagnolet calibre keywind gilt movement profusely engraved on both sides. The train inverted and visible within the ring dial. Engraved suspended going barrel wound with a male key. Engraved cock with gilt geared regulator set by key from the back, plain three arm gold balance with blue steel spiral hairspring. Polished steel cylinder, steel escape wheel. Silvered ring dial with Roman numerals, blue steel Breguet hands. Very slim gold open face case of only chased front bezel and engine turned back decorated with a polychrome floral scene. Gilt key with male square to wind, set and adjust the watch.
An excellent example of a Bagnolet calibre watch which unusually allows the movement to be viewed through the ring dial. Attributed to Philippe Samuel Meylan the bagnolet caliber was designed to allow the to be made as thin as possible by dispensing with the need for a cuvette. Reversing the train and using a male key for winding also helped to achieve a slim timepiece and had the advantage of not allowing the owner access to the mechanism.
