DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Von Loehr patent Perpetual (self-winding) with winding indicator, Swiss, 52mm, .935 silver original Max Gutkaes, Glashütte HC, "Perpetuale Patent" signed brass cuvette, unusual shaped bow that functions as a hook for hanging, white enamel SS dial with subsidiary-seconds and rotating winding indicator register, continuous winding with weighted bob as well as option for manual winding by key (a key is included with lot as pictured), set by turning button over mvt center, lever escapement, at least 15J, gilt mvt, s#2358 within case. Comes with a short silver chain and with a key as pictured. Von Loehr's patents were granted in Britain and the United States by 1879. Von Loehr's watch notably requires significant physical activity to remain wound, and Von Loehr noted that this was the precise advantage of the timepiece, as it would remind the wearer of the "evil of his ways by the failure of his timepiece to perform its duty by running down" and so it was a "monitor" of inactivity to promote the wearer's "general health." Von Loehr was actually ahead of his time with his fitness promoting ways, so for the watch collector looking for a little motivation to exercise, it's time to buy a Von Loehr and start jogging!
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, good winding indicator function, fine-plus cosmetic mvt condition overall, scattered scratches and fine scratches to plates, winding arbor escutcheon with multiple screw witness marks around its perimeter from having been rotated to various orientations and tightened with its three securing screws over its lifetime, some oxide to steelwork of self-winding mechanism; nearly flawless dial with few scattered mild micro-fine scratches, some infinitesimal nicks to rim of aperture for winding indicator register; excellent hands, finish loss to tip of hour, timekeeping hands are blue, winding indicator hand is gilt; case shows very light wear, an attractive dark patina to exterior, tarnished cuvette with some surface spots, engine turning detail reduced at shoulders, front lift spring is weak serving only to start lid open and allowing lid to fall to nearly closed with gravity, case rear opens short of 90 degrees (to approximately 80 degrees); bow pivots freely, push shows light wear; glass crystals with short perimeter fractures at 7 and 8:30, some fine scratches.
ESTIMATE:
$800
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$1600
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