DESCRIPTION:
EPW - Von Loehr patent Perpetual (self-winding) with winding indicator, with original instruction paper in German inside back, 48mm, silver OF original square case with ornate engraving detail, cuvette marked "Perpetual Patent No 26, Gottl Mueller," the latter being the owner's name [Gottlieb] which is in matching engraving, white enamel dial with constant seconds and winding indicator, gilt Louis XV style hands, continuous winding with weighted bob as well as option for manual winding by key, shift-locking-LS under bezel, lever escapement, at least 16J with jeweled bob, nickel damascene, mvt s#476, cuvette marked s#26. 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, that 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 after a sluggish start, good winding indicator function, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, some curved rub marks to main plate caused by self-winding arm, some typical micro-fine scratches elsewhere, steel click between barrel and self-winding ratchet with evident filing marks; nearly flawless dial with fine scratch and associated pinpoint surface nick below 12; excellent hands; case shows little wear, an attractive dark patina, few small nicks, no dents or dings, good engraving detail; tight bow, crown shows little wear; glass crystal with some short scratches and small surface nicks.
ESTIMATE:
$1200
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$2400
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